Head of Christ looking up with crown of thorns, in an oval frame, after Reni 1648 - 1658

Adrian van Melar created this engraving of Christ's head after Guido Reni in the 17th century. The image presents a suffering Christ, crowned with thorns, his eyes gazing heavenward. Prints like this played a crucial role in disseminating religious imagery across Europe, particularly during the Counter-Reformation. Consider how the visual codes of suffering and piety are deployed here. The crown of thorns, the upward gaze, the subtle lighting—all work to evoke empathy and religious devotion. This image reflects the period’s intense religious environment, where the Roman Catholic Church used art to reinforce its doctrines and inspire faith amidst challenges from the Protestant Reformation. Institutions like the Church were patrons of the arts, and determined the imagery. To fully understand this print, one can research the role of religious orders in commissioning art and the circulation of devotional images in 17th-century Europe. This helps us appreciate how artists like van Melar contributed to the visual culture of their time.