Christ on the Cross c. 16th century

Curator: Daniel Hopfer's "Christ on the Cross" captures a scene both sorrowful and, dare I say, a bit grotesque. Editor: Yes, I immediately felt the weight of suffering, not just in Christ's figure but in the chaotic swirl of angels and demons—a real tug-of-war between earthly and divine power. It feels intensely personal, almost feverish. Curator: As an etching, its stark lines and contrasts speak to the turbulence of the Reformation era, really highlighting the battle for religious and political control. You see how the figures at the base look heavenward in anguish. Editor: And those disembodied heads floating around the cross – are they symbols of the faithful departed, or perhaps the severed heads of the non-believers? And the dragon like creature on the right? This image speaks volumes about the complex relationship of power. Curator: I find myself drawn to the landscape, which speaks of hope and the new beginning after such suffering. Editor: It's a stark reminder that power and spirituality have always been contested spaces. Curator: It's a dance of the living and dead, the sacred and profane. Editor: Absolutely, and a potent reminder of the deeply rooted struggles that continue to shape our world.