Brief met hoofd van Christus 1922

Curator: This pencil drawing is titled "Brief met hoofd van Christus," or "Letter with head of Christ," created by Lodewijk Schelfhout in 1922. It's currently held at the Rijksmuseum. What's your immediate sense of it? Editor: Melancholy. The downward tilt of the head, the closed eyes... there's a sense of resignation, perhaps even acceptance of inevitable suffering. The graphite lines are so delicate, giving it an ethereal quality. Curator: Schelfhout’s expressive style shines through, doesn't it? The heavy shading around the face creates this profound contrast. It’s fascinating how artists depict Christ— sometimes glorified, sometimes wracked with pain. Editor: The crown of thorns, stylized yet still recognizable, definitely amps up the visual and emotional weight. Crowns, generally, signify authority, power, divinity. This one, made of thorns, turns the idea completely on its head. It becomes a symbol of sacrifice and the human condition. Curator: Exactly. It's about vulnerability. Looking closer, the letter written beneath the drawing suggests the artwork served as an intimate correspondence. Its message reflects the universal nature of suffering to be found within this incredibly intimate portrait of Christ. Editor: It's interesting to think about it being part of a letter. Makes you wonder about the recipient and the message Schelfhout wanted to convey. Did he see the divine suffering reflected in someone's personal struggles? The fact that it is unfinished only heightens that sense of searching. Curator: Maybe a loved one was terminally sick. Perhaps he just sought to offer a symbol of resilience by documenting faith within grief. The beauty of "Brief met hoofd van Christus" resides in its ambiguity, offering each viewer a personal point of meditation. Editor: An unfinished sketch with deep meaning... yes, definitely gives pause for reflection, not just about Christ, but our shared experiences.