Ecce Homo, from The Passion 1472 - 1553

This is "Ecce Homo," part of Lucas Cranach the Elder's series "The Passion," a woodcut print from the early 16th century. Woodcut is a relief printing process. The artist carves an image into a block of wood, leaving raised areas to receive ink. When pressed onto paper, the inked design transfers, creating the print. Cranach’s expert use of line, along with hatching and cross-hatching, creates depth, shadow, and texture. Look closely, and you'll see that the dense line work helps define form and conveys the emotional intensity of the scene. The choice of woodcut, a relatively accessible and reproducible medium, made "The Passion" widely available, connecting the public to the biblical narrative. Cranach’s decision to embrace printmaking, rather than unique paintings, speaks to the democratizing potential of art. The work’s impact lies not only in its artistic skill, but in its ability to engage a broad audience.