Christus aan het kruis c. 1681 - 1688

This is Isaac Beckett's "Christ on the Cross," an engraving likely made in England sometime around the turn of the 18th century. Religious imagery was often used in the service of political aims, particularly in times of social upheaval. The image of Christ's crucifixion had long been a powerful symbol of suffering and redemption, and was often invoked during periods of conflict or persecution to encourage resistance or offer consolation. Here, Christ is surrounded by angels as he dies, one of them collecting his blood in a chalice. Beckett’s print would have circulated in a culture steeped in religious symbolism and theological debate. Close examination of the print can help us better understand the complex interplay between art, religion, and politics in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Examining the conditions under which the artwork was created and received helps us better understand its purpose.