The Man of Sorrows with Angels 1450 - 1500

This small print, "The Man of Sorrows with Angels," in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, captivates with its raw emotional intensity despite its modest scale. An anonymous artist carved the image in woodcut, with an economy of line and form that speaks volumes. The composition is densely packed, Christ stands front and center surrounded by angels bearing the instruments of his Passion. Notice how the artist uses the linear quality of the woodcut to create texture and depth. The hatching and cross-hatching define the figures and objects, giving them a tactile presence. It also emphasizes a sense of suffering. The print challenges us to confront the visual vocabulary of faith and suffering. The rough texture of the woodcut, the stark contrast between light and shadow, invites us to reflect on the physical and spiritual dimensions of sacrifice. It's a powerful statement, using the very structure of the artwork to destabilize any easy interpretation.