The Crowning with Thorns c. 1480

Israhel van Meckenem created "The Crowning with Thorns" as an engraving, at a time when religious art was a powerful tool for shaping cultural and spiritual identities. Meckenem invites us into a scene laden with cruelty, where Christ is being tormented. The expressions of the tormentors are particularly striking. But look closer, and you might notice the figures in the background, seemingly detached, observing the spectacle from a distance. This is a reflection of the passive acceptance of injustice that was, and still is, very common. Note the dogs in the foreground, seemingly unaware of the suffering taking place before them. The artist masterfully uses light and shadow to heighten the emotional impact, drawing our eyes to Christ's suffering. But he also subtly critiques the abuse of power and the indifference of society, which is still relevant today. “The Crowning with Thorns” is not just a depiction of a biblical event; it’s a mirror reflecting the complexities of human behavior and the enduring presence of injustice.