Christ on the Cross c. 1485

Here we see Christ on the Cross, a woodcut that presents us with an enduring image of suffering and redemption. The cross, central to Christian iconography, symbolizes not just death but also salvation. Christ’s crown of thorns, a cruel mockery, echoes the laurel wreaths of victors in Roman times, but here, the victory is over sin and death. Consider how this image resonates with earlier depictions of sacrifice, such as the bound Prometheus, eternally punished yet defiant. The emotional weight carried by the image of crucifixion has been profound. Notice the halo, an ancient symbol, repurposed to denote holiness. Its golden light connects to earlier sun gods and divine figures, illustrating how symbols are never truly new but rather evolve, carrying echoes of past meanings. The image is a powerful force engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. The cyclical progression of symbols, resurfacing, evolving, and taking on new meanings in different historical contexts, is evident.