Kruisdraging 1646 - 1658

Jeremias Falck created this print, "Kruisdraging," sometime in the 17th century. Immediately, one notices how Falck has used the graphic possibilities of the engraving medium to create a dense, almost overwhelming composition. Light and dark are starkly contrasted, heightening the drama of the scene. Falck masterfully organizes the composition, leading our eye through the chaotic movement of figures towards the horizon. The artist uses light and shadow to emphasize the emotional weight of the moment, the figures are rendered with meticulous detail, highlighting their individual suffering and torment. The strategic use of hatching and cross-hatching creates depth and texture, drawing viewers into the emotional and physical space of the artwork. This engraving is not just a depiction of a biblical scene, but an exploration of human suffering and the expressive potential of the engraved line. It invites us to meditate on themes of sacrifice, mortality, and the enduring power of art.