The Sacred Monogram with the Symbols of the Evangelists and the Crucifixion (Schr. 1812) 15th century

This woodcut print, “The Sacred Monogram with the Symbols of the Evangelists and the Crucifixion,” comes to us from an anonymous artist. The work contains multitudes. We see Jesus on the cross, the sacred monogram of the holy name of Jesus in the center, along with symbols of the evangelists. Prints like this one were often devotional objects, meant to aid in prayer and contemplation. Consider the cultural context: this print emerges from a society steeped in religious belief. But what does it mean to depict the crucifixion so graphically? How might the suffering and sacrifice represented here have resonated with the lived experiences of people facing their own hardships and struggles? How did the image work to reinforce the power of the church? Notice the winged figures, the sun and moon, all symbols meant to elevate the emotional experience of the viewer. It asks us to contemplate themes of faith, suffering, and redemption. This image offers a window into the complex relationship between art, religion, and society.