Crucifixion with the Virgin Mary and Saint John the Evangelist, angels overhead 1588 - 1598

Gijsbert Van Veen etched this print of the Crucifixion around the turn of the 17th century, presenting a powerful scene replete with enduring symbols. At the center, Christ hangs on the cross, flanked by the Virgin Mary and Saint John, with angels overhead, figures laden with centuries of iconographic weight. Consider the cross itself, an instrument of brutal execution transformed into the most potent emblem of Christian faith, symbolizing sacrifice and redemption. Note, too, the grieving figures at the base of the cross – their poses, a language of mourning inherited from classical antiquity, echo in countless depictions of sorrow throughout art history. These motifs, passed down through generations, tap into what we might call the collective unconscious, a shared reservoir of symbols that evoke profound emotional responses. Observe how Van Veen masterfully employs these established symbols, resonating with viewers on a deep, subconscious level. The echoes of the crucifixion reverberate through time, a testament to the enduring power of visual symbols to convey complex ideas and emotions.