Doornenkroning 1586 - 1650

Curator: This is Cornelis Galle I’s “Doornenkroning,” or “Crowning with Thorns,” an engraving dating somewhere between 1586 and 1650, here at the Rijksmuseum. What strikes you first about it? Editor: The casual cruelty, almost like a game to these guys, versus the stark, isolated suffering of Christ. The theatrical poses of the tormentors are strangely... choreographed. And the geometry of the octagonal frame is unsettling, everything’s so rigid, mirroring their hard-heartedness. Curator: Galle masterfully captures the Baroque interest in intense emotion. Consider how the crown transforms a symbol of sovereignty into a weapon, a cruel parody of power. Look at how the lines convey a sense of violence without actually showing blood and gore. It's the implication of pain, right on the surface. Editor: Exactly, and the location, too. That stylized Roman architecture… it echoes the empire's supposed glory, twisting it into this awful tableau of oppression. Even the reed in Christ’s hand is a sardonic echo of a king's scepter. And water? Basin and towel below? Maybe meant to cleanse sin or violence, but completely useless here. Curator: Water is complicated like that; baptism, purification… or a futile attempt at absolution in the face of unspeakable acts. But even though we understand what is being portrayed, what really stands out for me is that one tormentor with the mask...like they’re almost ashamed or do not wish to be identified for their evil. This adds layers to the drama beyond mere illustration. The choice to make it black and white with just crosshatching for shading, adds drama, I think, like we’re witness to something historical and yet timeless. Editor: Well, those historical echoes are strong, aren't they? The power structures on display here-- the blind cruelty of the mob… These themes echo through the centuries. Curator: Absolutely. And this small print holds so much to consider: The violence, the vulnerability, the symbols. It's a testament to Galle's skill in capturing such profound human drama within a contained space. Editor: It’s fascinating how much emotion can be extracted from something as stark and rigid as black-and-white engraving. Each mark tells a tale. It reminds you how impactful, how far-reaching visual communication can be.