Besnijdenis van Christus 1510 - 1515

Marcantonio Raimondi created this engraving, titled "Besnijdenis van Christus," sometime between 1475 and 1534. It depicts the circumcision of Christ, an important ritual marking identity and belonging within the Jewish faith. In this detailed print, we see a gathering of figures within an arched interior. Raimondi's work exists in a complex cultural space: as an Italian artist, he disseminates a scene central to Christian theology, yet deeply rooted in Jewish tradition. Look closely at the faces, the textures of the robes, and the architectural details. Notice how Raimondi uses line and shadow to create depth and emotion. The act of circumcision itself carries layers of meaning, symbolizing covenant, purity, and the initiation into a community. Consider the power dynamics at play – the infant Christ, the solemnity of the ritual, and the communal witnessing. It's a moment of both vulnerability and profound cultural significance. As you stand before this engraving, reflect on the stories it tells and the histories it carries.