The Crucifixion (Round) (copy) 1560 - 1615

Jan Wierix created this small, round engraving, "The Crucifixion (Round)," sometime in the late 16th century. The circular composition, filled with densely packed figures, evokes a feeling of both intimacy and claustrophobia. Wierix masterfully uses line to create depth and texture, the cross-hatching building up shadow and volume. The figures, arranged in a semi-circle around the base of the cross, draw our eye to the suffering Christ at the center. Yet, there is a formal balance here. The figures on either side of the cross are mirrored, creating a symmetrical composition that stabilizes the emotional chaos of the scene. The use of radiance emanating from Christ, achieved through delicate lines, acts as a visual signifier, reinforcing the divine significance of the event. Consider, also, the placement of the skull at the base of the cross. It serves not only as a memento mori but also underscores the structural juxtaposition of death and redemption central to Christian theology. The circular format itself may be seen as a symbolic echo of eternity, binding the narrative within an unending cycle.