Kruisafneming 1582

This engraving of the Descent from the Cross was made by Johann Sadeler I, around 1580, and is now in the Rijksmuseum. It reflects the religious and social climate of the late 16th century. Sadeler was working in a Europe deeply divided by the Reformation. The Catholic Church was under pressure to reaffirm its authority and to reinforce its core doctrines through art. Images like this one served as powerful tools for devotion, designed to evoke empathy and reinforce faith in the viewer. The print depicts the emotional and physical aftermath of Christ's crucifixion. We see the body of Christ being carefully lowered as those around him display sorrow. Understanding this print requires an appreciation of the religious, political, and social context in which it was created. Scholars of religious history and art history can provide insights into the theological and institutional forces shaping its production. By considering these factors, we can understand the role the artwork played in its time and the messages it conveyed to its intended audience.