Christus aan het volk getoond (Ecce Homo) 1648

Christoffel van Sichem II created this small yet powerful woodcut, "Christus aan het volk getoond (Ecce Homo)," at an unknown date. Immediately, the composition commands attention, dividing the scene into distinct tiers. The artist uses sharp, deliberate lines to carve out each figure and architectural element. The upper level shows Christ presented to the masses, while below, the crowd reacts with dramatic gestures. This division not only separates the figures spatially but also emphasizes the thematic contrast between the divine figure and the tumultuous human response. Sichem’s use of line creates texture and depth, inviting the viewer to decode the underlying emotions of the scene. Consider how the formal elements of line and composition create a visually and emotionally charged narrative. This work underscores that an artwork’s meaning is continuously re-evaluated through observation and critical thought.