Longinus steekt de gekruisigde Christus met een lans 1582 - 1671

This engraving, "Longinus steekt de gekruisigde Christus met een lans," was created by Heinrich Ulrich. Notice how Ulrich uses the stark contrast of light and shadow to dramatize the scene. Lines etched closely together build dark masses and texture, particularly in the sky, while the bodies of Christ and the figures below are more exposed. This creates a visual hierarchy that draws the eye upwards. Consider also the composition: a dynamic arrangement of figures clustered around the base of the cross, offset by the verticality of the crosses. Longinus on horseback is turned towards the viewer, interrupting the central space. Ulrich's engraving, while depicting a biblical event, uses formal elements to create a complex interplay of devotion and detachment. The precise, deliberate lines serve not just to illustrate but also to interpret and create tension that reflects the complex theological themes of sacrifice and doubt.