Christus aan het kruis 1516

"Christus aan het kruis" is an engraving by Lucas van Leyden, made during the Northern Renaissance. Van Leyden lived in a time of religious upheaval. His work is deeply influenced by the intersection of humanism and the rise of Protestantism. Here, Christ hangs on the cross between Mary and John, who are overcome with grief. Van Leyden’s choice to depict Christ as a vulnerable, suffering figure challenged the traditional image of a divine, all-powerful savior. By humanizing these religious figures, van Leyden invites viewers to connect with the emotional and physical realities of the crucifixion. The expressions of sorrow on the faces of Mary and John mirror the pain of a community grappling with profound religious and social change. Through precise lines and textures, van Leyden conveys a powerful sense of empathy. The artwork is not just a depiction of a historical event but also an invitation to contemplate the human condition. It captures themes of suffering, faith, and the search for meaning in a turbulent world.