Kinderkruistocht Possibly 1522 - 1800

This early 16th-century print by Monogrammist LIW captures a chilling scene: the Children's Crusade. The banner, emblazoned with "INRI," normally atop the cross of Christ, suggests a corrupted innocence leading the march, but what is really pulling them into these dark paths? Note the presence of hybrid creatures—dragons and monstrous birds—atop poles throughout the procession. These are not mere ornaments. Such figures echo the beasts of ancient myths, where animals embodied the fears of the unknown. Here, they foreshadow a tragic destiny. The Children’s Crusade, a historical tragedy of naiveté exploited, is but one chapter in humanity’s cyclical dance with fanaticism. The image holds an emotional power, a stark reminder of how easily youthful idealism can be manipulated. We are left to ponder the ever-present shadows that lurk beneath the surface of fervent belief.