Gewonde Adalbert wordt weggedragen by Charles Rochussen

1824 - 1894

Gewonde Adalbert wordt weggedragen

Charles Rochussen's Profile Picture

Charles Rochussen

1814 - 1894

Location

Rijksmuseum

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Curatorial notes

Charles Rochussen captured in watercolor "Gewonde Adalbert wordt weggedragen" ("Wounded Adalbert Being Carried Away"), an intimate moment laden with symbolism. Observe the figures surrounding Adalbert, their faces etched with grief, echoing the ancient motif of lamentation scenes. The prostrate Adalbert, reminiscent of the deposition from the cross, links to a long tradition of portraying suffering. The open arms of the figure standing behind suggest both despair and a plea for divine intervention, mirroring gestures found in classical iconography and later Christian art. This symbol transcends time, surfacing in Renaissance paintings and even modern photography, each instance carrying the weight of human sorrow. The shield and helmet lying discarded on the ground suggest vulnerability. They remind us of the continuous cycle of triumph and tragedy, echoing through history and embedding itself in our collective consciousness. These symbols, seemingly fixed, evolve and adapt. It engages viewers on a visceral level, reminding us of our shared human experiences.