Christus geneest de melaatsen 1485 - 1491

This is a woodcut depicting Christ healing the lepers, made by the Master of Antwerp. In the art of the Netherlands, images such as this were particularly important in a time when social structures were closely linked to religious beliefs. Woodcuts like this served not only as devotional aids but also as a means of social commentary. Christ's act of healing is shown here as a challenge to existing social norms around disease. Leprosy in particular, carried immense social stigma. Lepers were ostracized and forced to live outside of the city. This image, therefore, confronts viewers with a message of radical inclusion, challenging the established social order. To fully appreciate this woodcut, art historians often consult religious texts, social histories of disease, and records of the economic structures that shaped the art market in Antwerp at this time. By investigating these resources, we gain a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between art, society, and belief.