Christus als Man van Smarten, zittend 1515

Albrecht Dürer created this small yet powerful engraving, Christus als Man van Smarten, zittend, or Christ as the Man of Sorrows, Seated, in 1515. The image presents a suffering Christ, a popular devotional subject in the early 16th century, especially in Germany. Dürer’s print participates in a broader visual culture of religious imagery produced during the Reformation. Notice how Dürer uses the stark contrast of the engraving to emphasize Christ's wounds and the instruments of his Passion, such as the crown of thorns. These details invite viewers to contemplate the physical and emotional suffering of Christ. Dürer was deeply engaged with the religious and intellectual debates of his time, and prints like this one played a crucial role in disseminating religious ideas. They were affordable and easily distributed. Understanding the historical context of Dürer's work requires looking at the religious and social transformations of the period. By consulting historical texts, theological treatises, and contemporary accounts, we can better understand the complex interplay between art, religion, and society in Dürer's time.