Christus aan het kruis 1648 - 1657

This small-scale woodcut presents a stark, emotionally charged scene: Christ on the cross. Created by Christoffel van Sichem II, it uses the stark contrast of black lines on a white background to construct a powerful image. Notice how the artist employs line to create texture and depth. The cross-hatching in the sky and on the landscape builds a sense of volume, contrasting with the smooth, almost idealized form of Christ's body. This contrast underscores the duality of the divine and the human. The figures at the base of the cross, rendered with meticulous detail, draw the viewer's eye downwards, anchoring the composition. The arrangement reflects the religious symbolism, framing the narrative within a visual structure that reinforces its spiritual message. It serves not only as an aesthetic object but as a potent vehicle for communicating complex religious and philosophical themes.