Doornenkroning 1599 - 1649

Giovanni Battista Coriolano created this engraving called "Doornenkroning," or "The Crowning with Thorns," sometime in the early to mid-17th century. In it, we see the moments before the crucifixion of Christ, an event central to Christian identity. It's impossible to overlook the racial and gendered dynamics in this image. A vulnerable, near-nude Christ is surrounded by robust, masculine figures who are actively tormenting him. In the background, we see a group of seemingly despondent onlookers, many of whom are women. In this historical and cultural context, such images reinforced power structures, casting certain bodies as inherently dominant and others as submissive. The emotional impact of this work is undeniable, it’s an invitation to reflect on themes of suffering, sacrifice, and power. "Doornenkroning" is not just a depiction of a biblical event but a reflection on how images can be used to shape and maintain societal norms.