Christus voor Annas 1582 - 1671

This engraving, "Christus voor Annas" by Heinrich Ulrich, presents a somber scene rendered with meticulous detail. The composition is structured around two main groups: Annas, enthroned and surrounded by advisors, and Christ, encircled by guards. Ulrich uses contrasting textures to differentiate the figures. Annas' robes are richly detailed, suggesting his authority, while Christ's garments are simpler, emphasizing his humility. The lines in the engraving are used to create a sense of depth and shadow, particularly in the background where a crowd observes the event. This contrast draws attention to the power dynamics at play. The architecture, with its arches and columns, is more than a backdrop; it frames the event, adding to the sense of formality and confinement. Ulrich uses these elements to explore themes of power, justice, and spiritual defiance. The artwork invites us to consider how these themes are visually constructed through the careful arrangement of form and space.