Crucifixion c. 15th century

Editor: Here we have an anonymous woodcut titled "Crucifixion," currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. It's incredibly graphic, even a bit unsettling. What can you tell me about the historical context that might shed some light on this? Curator: Consider the visual language of the time. Images like this served a public function, especially when literacy was limited. The explicit depiction of suffering aimed to evoke empathy and reinforce religious doctrine, influencing social behavior. Does that change how you see it? Editor: It does. Knowing its purpose was to create a strong emotional response helps me understand the choices made by the artist. Thanks! Curator: And for me, seeing your reaction reminds me of the enduring power of images to shape belief and behavior.