Le Christ a la colonne 1605 - 1650

Jean Morin created this print, "Christ at the Column," sometime in the first half of the 17th century. It's a moving depiction of suffering, but we should remember the importance of such images in a society deeply shaped by religious institutions. Prints like this one had a vital role in disseminating religious imagery across Europe at the time, and served to reinforce the messages promoted by the Catholic Church. In France, where Morin worked, the church was a major political and cultural force, and art was often used to convey specific theological ideas and to inspire devotion. Looking closely, we see how the artist has used light and shadow to create a sense of drama and emotional intensity. Christ's suffering is made palpable, and the viewer is invited to contemplate the meaning of his sacrifice. To truly understand this print, we can consult historical texts, religious treatises, and other visual sources from the period. The meaning of this image is embedded in its original social and institutional context.