Fragment van een Kruisiging met Johannes de Evangelist en Maria en soldaten 1500 - 1535

This is a fragment of a crucifixion scene, made by the artist known as Meester IB met de vogel, or Master IB with the bird, using woodcut techniques. In the early 16th century, when this print was made, the image of the crucifixion held immense cultural weight, reinforcing the power of the Catholic Church. Yet, this print is more than a simple devotional image. The artist includes Roman soldiers who are richly dressed in a flamboyant style. The artist thereby challenges the way religious narratives were typically portrayed. To truly understand this print, we need to delve into the social and religious context of the time. The Protestant Reformation was gaining momentum, questioning the authority of the Catholic Church and leading to new forms of religious expression. Master IB's print, with its unusual composition and focus on the figures surrounding Christ, may reflect these shifting religious and cultural landscapes. By examining historical documents, religious texts, and artistic trends of the period, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complex social forces that shaped this powerful image.