Christus aan het kruis before 1646

Christoffel van Sichem II created this woodcut, "Christus aan het kruis," presenting a profoundly moving scene framed within an elaborately decorative border. The composition is dominated by the stark contrast between the delicate linework of the central image and the robust ornamentation surrounding it. Note how the internal scene, depicting the crucifixion, is rendered with a fine, almost fragile touch, emphasizing the vulnerability and suffering of Christ. This contrasts sharply with the bold, graphic quality of the frame, adorned with flourishes and a cherubic figure, creating a visual tension between the sacred event and its worldly presentation. The border's structure, with its repetitive, stylized motifs, acts as a semiotic boundary, separating the divine narrative from the viewer's space. The formal arrangement subtly underscores the complex relationship between faith, art, and the viewer's interpretation, inviting reflection on how such images mediate spiritual experiences within a structured, cultural context.