Christus intocht in Jeruzalem 1681 - 1728

François van Bleyswijck created this etching, titled "Christus intocht in Jeruzalem," which translates to "Christ's Entry into Jerusalem." Made in the late 17th or early 18th century, this print invites us to reflect on the story of Jesus's arrival in Jerusalem, a narrative steeped in religious and cultural significance. Consider the varied reactions of the crowd – some kneel in reverence, others reach out in supplication, while children are held aloft to witness the event. How might these depictions reflect the social hierarchies and expectations of Bleyswijck’s time? This image asks us to contemplate power, faith, and the ways in which individuals and communities invest in symbolic figures. What emotions does this scene evoke in you, and how do you think it would have resonated with viewers centuries ago?