Christ on the Cross with Mary and Saint John c. 1470 - 1480

This anonymous woodcut depicts Christ on the cross, flanked by Mary and Saint John. The cross itself, an instrument of torture, becomes a powerful symbol of sacrifice and redemption, rooted deeply in the collective consciousness. Note the skull at the base of the cross. This is Adam’s skull. Its presence links Christ's sacrifice to the original sin. Think of the iconography of skulls appearing in various contexts across time, from ancient memento mori to modern-day symbols of mortality, each iteration echoing humanity’s confrontation with death. The emotional weight of this image is undeniable; the grief of Mary and John, mirrored in countless depictions of mourning figures throughout art history, speaks to a universal experience of loss. Consider how these recurring motifs tap into our shared memories. Though evolving in form, these symbols and gestures carry profound psychological power, engaging viewers across centuries.