Kruisafneming 1605 - 1700

Here we see Ferdinand Etten’s "Kruisafneming" or "Descent from the Cross," a 280 by 208 millimeter engraving. The composition pulls us into a scene filled with mourning figures surrounding the body of Christ. The stark black lines against the white paper give the image a dramatic contrast. Etten uses these visual elements to create symbolic meaning. The ladders and tools aren't just practical items; they signify human intervention in divine events. Notice the border design: the symbols of life and death, with the devil, all framing the central narrative. The artist is using a semiotic system here, setting up an interplay of signs. Look at how Etten uses the engraving technique to challenge fixed meanings. The careful lines depict complex emotions but also invite us to question the established religious narratives. This artwork doesn’t offer a singular meaning; instead, it opens a space for ongoing dialogue between the artwork and the viewer.