1650 - 1700
Geseling van Christus
Anonymous
@anonymousLocation
RijksmuseumListen to curator's interpretation
Curatorial notes
This print, "Geseling van Christus," whose maker is now unknown, is finely worked in ink on paper. Look closely and you will see how the anonymous artist has made use of the printmaking process. The effect is achieved with carefully engraved lines, allowing for the mass production of images, and therefore ideas. In its own way, printmaking mirrors the violence of the scene depicted. It is through labor, repeated action, and pressure that the image comes to life. The choice of this medium, rather than painting or sculpture, reflects a shift in artistic expression and the democratization of art. Unlike unique artworks, prints can be disseminated widely, reaching diverse audiences and shaping public opinion. This piece exemplifies how art intersects with social issues, inviting us to reflect on themes of power, suffering, and collective responsibility.