Begraven van de doden 1625 - 1629

David Custos created this engraving, "Begraven van de doden," meaning "Burial of the Dead," in the early modern period. The central image of the burial draws our attention to the transience of life. Here, the shrouded body being lowered into the earth is reminiscent of countless Deposition scenes, echoing the somber finality seen in works across centuries. We can trace its origins back to ancient funerary rites, where the earth served as both a return and a promise. The cross held aloft suggests not just death but also resurrection, a potent symbol that has been reinterpreted across cultures. This symbol is a testament to humanity's enduring attempt to come to terms with mortality. It evokes a deep, primal fear but also offers a potent emotional resolution. The image speaks to the ongoing cycle of life, death, and rebirth that continues to resonate within us.