Christ is Pierced with the Lance 1547

Augustin Hirschvogel created "Christ is Pierced with the Lance" using etching, a new intaglio printmaking technique developed in the early 16th century. Hirschvogel lived in a time of immense religious and social upheaval during the Protestant Reformation. Here, the piercing of Christ’s side isn’t merely a physical act but a symbolic one, representing the piercing of faith itself during this tumultuous period. The detailed rendering of Christ's suffering invites an emotional confrontation with the viewer. The figures surrounding Christ, rendered with stark emotional expressions, capture a range of reactions to this central event. The landscape, detailed yet somewhat distant, places this deeply personal scene within a broader world. Hirschvogel’s print invites us to contemplate the intersections of faith, doubt, and societal change. Through the stark imagery and emotional depth, he captures a pivotal moment in religious history while subtly reflecting the anxieties of his own time.