Maaltijd in Emmaüs 1534 - 1535

Georg Pencz created this small engraving, "Maaltijd in Emmaüs," sometime between 1500 and 1550. Pencz lived during the Reformation, a time of great religious and social upheaval, which is subtly reflected in his work. The scene depicts the biblical story of Jesus revealing himself to two disciples in Emmaus. The setting is intimate, almost domestic, but the expressions on the disciple's faces suggest a moment of profound realization. What does it mean for these men to recognize the divine in such an ordinary setting? The men are dressed in simple clothing, while Jesus is haloed, but his face is remarkably human. Pencz invites us to consider how the sacred and the mundane intertwine. The identities of the men are central to this piece, as Christ presents himself to ordinary men. This piece serves as a gentle reminder that revelation, recognition, and transformation can occur in the most unexpected places.