Christus tussen de schriftgeleerden c. 1570 - 1610

This engraving, titled "Christus tussen de schriftgeleerden," or "Christ among the Scholars," is an anonymous work held at the Rijksmuseum. This image encapsulates a pivotal moment, presenting Christ not merely as a divine figure, but as a young scholar challenging established wisdom. The historical context is rich with societal norms that valued age and experience, particularly in religious scholarship. Here, a youthful Christ disrupts this hierarchy, engaging in intellectual discourse with learned elders. The engraving can be seen through the lens of power dynamics. Christ, despite his age, asserts authority through knowledge and insight. The composition reflects a challenge to traditional representation. How might this scene, where knowledge transcends age, speak to contemporary struggles against marginalization based on age, or even race and gender within intellectual spaces?