The Flagellation, from The Passion c. 1480

Martin Schongauer made this engraving, The Flagellation, from The Passion, in the late fifteenth-century, a time when printed images were still a relatively new phenomenon in Europe. Prints like this played a crucial role in shaping religious culture. Schongauer’s image renders the biblical scene of Christ’s torture with stark, unflinching detail, offering viewers an opportunity to contemplate the physical suffering of Jesus. The artist uses the graphic medium to create a sense of immediacy. Made in Germany, this print reflects the religious sensibilities of the time. Visual culture offered a way to communicate religious narratives to a wider audience during an era when access to religious texts was limited. Schongauer's work helped to democratize religious imagery. To fully understand the significance of this image, we might turn to historical and theological scholarship. By delving into the cultural context, we gain a deeper appreciation of the social function of art.