Kruisiging 1510

Albrecht Durer made this woodcut, titled "Kruisiging", in 1510. The image presents us with a symbolic depiction of Christ’s crucifixion. The scene is framed by the figures of Mary and John, standing either side of the cross. Yet, the print participates in a history of image-making, in a society deeply shaped by religious beliefs and institutions. Made in Germany, the woodcut reflects the cultural and religious context of the early 16th century, a time when art was a powerful tool for religious instruction. The choice of a woodcut, allowed for wider dissemination, but it also speaks to the burgeoning print culture of the time, and the way that art could be used to reach a broader audience. Durer was working at a moment when artists were seeking to elevate their status and challenge the traditional hierarchies of the art world, and this print allowed him to take control of the means of artistic production. Through careful study of historical context, religious practices, and artistic traditions we can come to understand the role this image played in the religious and cultural life of its time.