Man of Sorrows c. 16th century

Curator: Looking at Hans Schäufelein's "Man of Sorrows" feels like stumbling upon a whispered secret. The suffering, etched with such delicate precision, evokes a strange sense of intimacy, doesn't it? Editor: Yes, it's fascinating how the materiality of the printmaking process—the woodcut, perhaps—emphasizes the textures of anguish. The cross-hatching creates a striking contrast between the body and the divine light. Curator: Exactly! The light radiating from Christ seems almost desperate, a visual plea echoing the torment in his eyes. It makes you wonder about Schäufelein's own state of mind. Editor: Or consider the labor involved in its creation. The carving of the wood matrix itself embodies a kind of devotional act, replicating and disseminating the image of suffering for mass consumption. Curator: Perhaps that's why it still speaks to us across the centuries. The blend of craft and devotion creates a poignant reminder of our shared humanity. Editor: Indeed, seeing the process as part of the meaning helps us consider the broader culture of production and belief. Curator: A moving thought to end on. Thank you. Editor: My pleasure.