The Crucifixion c. 1475

Israhel van Meckenem created this engraving of the Crucifixion in the late fifteenth century, a period marked by religious fervor and social upheaval in Europe. Meckenem, a prolific printmaker, lived during a time of stark social hierarchies, and his work often reflects the intersection of religious devotion and everyday life. In this print, we see a graphic depiction of Christ's suffering, but what does it tell us about the experiences of those on the margins? The Virgin Mary and Saint John are also present here, and we see them experiencing their own anguish. Meckenem does not shy away from showing the human cost of religious narratives. Consider how the artist uses the relatively new medium of printmaking to disseminate this image widely, making it accessible to a broad audience and shaping popular perceptions of faith and suffering. The emotional and personal dimensions of the piece are central, but also think about how the artwork shapes or reflects societal issues.