Doornenkroning van Christus 1734 - 1754

This engraving, titled “Doornenkroning van Christus,” or “Crowning of Thorns” was made by an anonymous artist. In it, we see a moment of intense violence and degradation inflicted upon Christ. These historical depictions of Christ’s suffering are laden with complex cultural and theological significance. The image of Christ being tormented speaks to themes of sacrifice, redemption, but also to the social dynamics of power and persecution. Consider how this scene, replicated across centuries, has been used to shape religious identity and reinforce certain moral narratives. The act of crowning Christ with thorns is both a literal torture and a symbolic inversion of power; a mock coronation. What does it mean to depict such suffering? Does it inspire empathy, or does it perpetuate a fascination with violence? Images like these invite us to reflect on the intertwined relationship between faith, power, and the visual representation of pain.