Altaar met Christus aan het kruis before 1643

This etching of an altarpiece with Christ on the cross was created by Abraham Bosse in the 17th century. Bosse was a French artist, known for his detailed engravings that offer insights into the social customs and cultural values of his time. This image is a fascinating intersection of religious devotion and artistic institutional practice. The architecture of the altar is rendered with precise lines. The central panel depicts the crucifixion, flanked by standing figures. Above, angels hold emblems of sacrifice. In its time, prints like this played a vital role in disseminating religious imagery to a wider audience. France in the 1600's was deeply Catholic, and the Church was a powerful force in society. This print would have served as a reminder of the power and the glory of God. To gain a deeper understanding of this image, we can consider the religious, social, and institutional context in which Bosse was working. Studying the history of printmaking and religious art helps us understand the values of 17th century France.