Lichaam van Christus op de schoot van God de Vader 1613

Hieronymus Lederer’s “Lichaam van Christus op de schoot van God de Vader” is an early 17th century engraving that visualizes a key tenet of Christian belief, the Holy Trinity. The image depicts God the Father, crowned in papal regalia, cradling the lifeless body of Christ. Above, the Holy Spirit descends as a dove. In the context of the Reformation and Counter-Reformation, images like this one served as powerful visual theology. Yet, it also reflects the intense focus on Christ's suffering and humanity. Lederer invites viewers to contemplate not just the divine, but the corporeal reality of Christ’s sacrifice. The engraving participates in the rich history of representing the divine in human terms, making abstract theological concepts accessible through the emotional power of art. It offers a space to reflect on the intersections of faith, suffering, and the enduring human need to visualize the sacred.