Bespotting van Christus 1781

Paulus Constantijn la Fargue created this print, "Bespotting van Christus", in the 18th century. It reflects the religious and cultural context of the time, particularly the visual traditions surrounding Christian narratives. The print depicts the mocking of Christ, an event from the Passion, surrounded by smaller scenes from his life. In the central scene, Christ is humiliated by soldiers, highlighting themes of power, injustice, and the suffering of the divine. La Fargue invites us to meditate on the emotional and spiritual dimensions of Christ's ordeal. Representations like these often served to reinforce societal hierarchies, yet they simultaneously offer a narrative of resistance and spiritual endurance. Consider how the artist uses the visual language of his time to convey religious and moral messages. How does the image reflect or challenge the prevailing attitudes towards power, faith, and suffering in 18th-century society? While perpetuating traditional religious iconography, this print also provides a space for individual reflection on faith and humanity.