The Carrying of the Cross 

Ludwig of Ulm created this small woodcut, "The Carrying of the Cross," sometime between 1390 and 1510. During this time, religious imagery played a crucial role in both personal devotion and public life. In this print, we witness Christ, burdened by the cross, surrounded by a diverse cast of characters. Note how the figures are differentiated through their clothing and expressions, hinting at their roles and attitudes towards the central event. While Christ and some onlookers are marked with halos signifying holiness, others appear to mock or jeer. The figures are defined by their reaction to Christ’s suffering, and the print invites viewers to meditate on their own emotional and spiritual responses to the scene. Woodcuts like these were relatively accessible and widely distributed, bringing religious narratives into everyday life. Consider how this image might have shaped the spiritual understanding and emotional experiences of its viewers, encouraging both empathy for Christ's suffering and reflection on their own moral standing.