Christ on the cross 

Ludwig Thiersch made this drawing of Christ on the cross, with graphite on paper, in 19th century Germany. Here we see a classical, idealized depiction of Jesus, referencing a long history of religious art used to convey spiritual meaning and reinforce church authority. But this was also a time of immense social change. In 19th century Germany, art became increasingly accessible to the public through museums, galleries, and affordable prints. Artists faced new pressures and opportunities to create images that could resonate with broader audiences, reflecting a spectrum of beliefs and ideologies. Thiersch’s drawing invites us to consider how religious imagery can be both a tool of institutional power and a source of personal expression. Understanding the social and institutional context in which it was made helps us interpret its visual codes and historical associations. Researching church records, exhibition catalogues, and the artist's biography can shed further light on the complex interplay between art, religion, and society in 19th century Germany.