Opwekking van de dochter van Jaïrus

"Opwekking van de dochter van Jaïrus" is an engraving by William Unger, created in the Netherlands during the late 19th or early 20th century. Unger, working in a time of significant religious and social change, engages with the New Testament story where Jesus resurrects a synagogue leader's daughter. In this monochromatic print we witness an intimate moment of divine intervention, however, it’s impossible to ignore the gendered dynamics at play. The daughter, nameless and passive, is acted upon, her fate determined by male figures. Unger’s choice to depict this scene invites us to consider the power structures inherent in religious narratives, and how women's stories are often framed within a patriarchal context. The emotional intensity of the scene is palpable. The surrounding figures, a mix of awe and disbelief. Unger captures a pivotal moment of transformation. It compels us to reflect on themes of faith, power, and the narratives that shape our understanding of history and identity.