The Crucifixion (Round) (reverse copy) 1548 - 1619

This is Hieronymus Wierix’s engraving, "The Crucifixion (Round)," made in the late 16th or early 17th century. During this period, religious art was used to reinforce doctrine amid the Reformation's challenges to the Catholic Church. Wierix, as part of the Antwerp School, skillfully uses the circular format to intensify the emotional focus on Christ's sacrifice. The image invites contemplation on themes of suffering, salvation, and divine love. Note how Wierix reverses the traditional composition, perhaps inviting a fresh look at this well-known narrative. The women on the left, cloaked and mournful, are placed in stark contrast to the figures on the right. The figure at the foot of the cross clasps the wood. "The Crucifixion (Round)" is not just an artistic representation but also a spiritual and emotional experience, reflecting the complex interplay of faith, identity, and the human condition during a turbulent era in European history.