Christ on the Cross (The Small Crucifixion) 1500 - 1538

Albrecht Altdorfer created this engraving, "Christ on the Cross (The Small Crucifixion)," in the early 16th century. This was a period marked by the rise of the Reformation, a movement that questioned the established religious authority. In this tiny, yet emotionally charged, print, Altdorfer confronts themes of faith, suffering, and redemption. We see Christ on the cross, flanked by his grieving mother and a disciple, set against a detailed landscape. The emotional intensity is palpable; the figures are wrought with anguish, their pain amplified by the stark contrast of light and shadow. Altdorfer subtly infuses the religious scene with the political and social tensions brewing in his time. This work transcends traditional religious iconography. The artist humanizes the suffering of Christ, reflecting the era's shifting focus toward individual spirituality. The small scale invites an intimate, personal connection. The print serves as a poignant reminder of the intersections between faith, personal experience, and broader societal upheavals.