Kinderkruistocht Possibly 1522 - 1800

Monogrammist LIW created this piece, known as "Children's Crusade", sometime between 1490 and 1550, using woodcut techniques. This print captures a procession of children, armed and marching, some carrying flags adorned with crosses, an eerie echo of adult military campaigns. During the late Middle Ages, the concept of the Children's Crusade emerged, fueled by religious fervor and the belief in the innocence of children as a means to achieve what adults could not. The image is unsettling; it stirs questions about innocence, manipulation, and the exploitation of youth in ideological battles. It reflects a society grappling with its own moral compass. The choice of children as protagonists invites reflection on power dynamics and the vulnerability of the young. The artwork serves as a stark reminder of the human capacity to mobilize even the most innocent in the pursuit of ideological objectives. It resonates today, urging us to consider the ethical implications of our actions.