Christuskind als Salvator Mundi 1618 - 1655

This engraving, "Christ Child as Savior of the World", was made by Cornelis Schut in the 17th century. It presents an intricate rendering of the Christ Child, standing atop a cloud of cherubic faces. The composition is dominated by the figure of the child, whose form is meticulously etched with dense, parallel lines that define the contours of his body and drapery. Schut uses the delicate strokes of his engraving tool to suggest light emanating from the heavens, reinforcing the divine nature of the child. In one hand, he holds an orb surmounted by a cross, symbolizing dominion over the earth; with the other, he gestures outward, perhaps in blessing or benediction. The cherubic figures below are a mass of small, rounded forms, their faces upturned in adoration. The formal elements here are not merely decorative, they function to communicate complex theological ideas. The structure of the image, from the radiant light to the symbolic objects held by the child, is designed to evoke reverence. It also reflects the cultural codes of the time, inviting viewers into a visual meditation on divinity.