The Resurrection c. late 16th century

Joos van Winghe created "The Resurrection" using pen and brown ink with brown and white wash on paper, sometime between 1575 and 1600. Winghe was a Flemish artist whose life spanned a period of immense religious and political upheaval in Europe. The work depicts Christ rising from his tomb as Roman soldiers recoil in terror. Angels hover nearby. Consider how the representation of power is at play here. The triumphant Christ, bathed in light, stands in stark contrast to the disarray and fear among the soldiers. Winghe was working during the Counter-Reformation, when the Catholic Church sought to reaffirm its authority. Winghe, who fled the Spanish Netherlands due to religious persecution, infuses this scene with personal meaning. The resurrection becomes not just a religious event, but a symbol of hope and liberation from earthly oppression. In this context, "The Resurrection" conveys a powerful message of spiritual and political resilience.