This is entry #57 in our 100 Philosophers, 100 Artworks, 100 Words Series.

Philosopher: Stefanie Rocknak (philosopher and sculptor), Hartwick College

Artwork: Toter Christus (Dead Christ), Zacharias Hegewald, 1630, 26.9 cm x 10.5 cm, wood carving/statuette

Words: Although I’m not religious, this piece took my breath away. It is rather small, just 26 centimeters long—if you could break into the case and pick it up, it could be cradled with one hand. Preciously carved, and, as evidenced by the darker spots on the wood, preciously touched for hundreds of years. The artist, Zacharias Hegewald, threw himself into this figure; he left nothing on the field.