Crowded calvary 

Hans Schäufelein made this pen and ink drawing, Crowded Calvary, sometime in the first half of the sixteenth century. The image depicts the crucifixion of Christ, but its emphasis is on the crowd, a chaotic mass of figures surrounding the central scene. Made in Germany, this work reflects the period's religious intensity and social upheaval. The artist was deeply influenced by the works of Dürer, but his style is individual. What can we tell from the artist’s choices? Consider the way Schäufelein fills the space with a multitude of figures, each rendered with meticulous detail. What did it mean to portray the crucifixion in such a densely populated and chaotic manner? The answer lies in the way that the artist has created a politically charged commentary on the social structures of his time. To interpret this, we might consult period sermons, pamphlets, and woodcuts. Through that research, the image comes alive in its own historical moment.