Christus c. 1640 - 1680

This engraving by Cornelis van Caukercken presents us with a poignant image of Christus, the "Salvator Mundi", carrying the cross. The cross, a symbol of immense suffering and redemption, dominates the composition, reminding us of Christ's sacrifice. But consider this: the image of a divine figure bearing a cross is not unique to Christianity. We find similar motifs in ancient mythologies, where heroes shoulder burdens for humanity. Think of Atlas, condemned to carry the world, or Prometheus, who bore the weight of divine wrath for gifting fire to mankind. Here, the wound on Christ's hand pierces through time, echoing not only his physical pain but also the collective memory of suffering and sacrifice. Such symbols tap into the depths of our shared human experience, engaging our emotions and connecting us to the past. The power of this image lies in its ability to evoke a profound sense of empathy, a visceral response to the weight of human suffering that transcends time and culture.