The Descent from the Cross 1655 - 1703

This is an engraving depicting the Descent from the Cross, an anonymous work residing in the Statens Museum for Kunst. The most striking motif is, of course, the lifeless body of Christ, being lowered from the cross. This echoes a visual language familiar throughout history: the hero brought down, evoking grief, but also underscoring sacrifice and a promise of renewal. Consider the Pietà, where Mary cradles the dead Christ. Both images tap into profound emotions – loss, compassion, and the cyclical nature of life and death. The crown of thorns, placed at the foot of the cross, is a painful reminder of suffering and is heavy with symbolic meaning. It recurs in different forms across cultures, reflecting human attempts to grapple with pain and redemption. These images resonate because they engage our deepest fears and hopes. Through the ages, artists have used these symbols to tap into collective memory, reminding us of our shared humanity.