The Preparation of the Cross 1548

This etching, *The Preparation of the Cross*, was made by Augustin Hirschvogel in 1548. It pictures three men building the cross upon which Christ was crucified. Made in the midst of the Reformation, this image speaks to the politics of imagery and the social conditions shaping artistic production at the time. As the Catholic Church faced challenges to its authority, many artists began exploring new ways to depict religious subjects, often with a renewed focus on the humanity of Christ and those around him. This print, with its emphasis on the labor involved in constructing the cross, aligns with the period's broader cultural and religious shifts. Hirschvogel’s choice of printmaking, rather than painting, is also significant. The printing press allowed for wider distribution of images, giving artists a broader audience and the potential to influence public opinion. By studying the religious debates and social movements of 16th-century Europe, we can better understand the complex cultural and political forces that shaped Hirschvogel’s work.