Collection Publications: Reflections of the Passion (y1985-36)
A devotional image, or Andachtsbild,, is meant to induce quiet contemplation of the subject; it differs from a narrative image, which tells a story (see Domenichino's Mocking of Christ [y1987-46] and Lodovico Carracci's Kiss of Judas [y1987-67]). In this devotional painting by Goltzius, Christ, in the throes of the pain and suffering of the Passion, wears the crown of thorns and blood-stained loincloth. The Eucharistic significance of Christ's flesh and blood is prominent. In his left hand, Christ holds a chalice, as though about to collect wine directly from the wound in his side. The chalice may also allude to Christ's prayer to God in the garden of Gethsemane to "remove this cup from me" (Luke 23:42), that is, to release him from the Crucifixion. Literally and metaphorically, Christ presents himself as an offering to the viewer.
