Christus in de hof van Getsemane 1502 - 1510

Hans Lützelburger created this woodcut, "Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane," capturing the moments before Christ's arrest. Observe Christ in the foreground, his hands clasped in prayer, a gesture recognized across cultures as supplication or deep contemplation. But look closer, and you'll notice the angel offering him the cup of suffering. This motif appears in various forms throughout art history, symbolizing acceptance of fate, be it heroic or tragic. Think of ancient Greek depictions of heroes accepting their destinies. The sleeping disciples add a layer of human frailty to this divine drama. Their slumber mirrors our own tendency to turn away from painful truths. The approaching soldiers, a stark contrast to the serene angel, represent the inevitable intrusion of worldly chaos. This tension between spiritual solace and earthly conflict is a recurring theme in art, reflecting humanity's eternal struggle. The composition evokes a deep sense of foreboding.