Christ on the Cross with Pope Pius II c. 1475

This anonymous woodcut from c. 1475 depicts the crucifixion of Christ with the Virgin Mary and John the Evangelist flanking the cross. Below, a kneeling figure of Pope Pius II is presented, commemorating his support for the Catholic Church. The woodcut's inscription details the Seven Words of Christ, a significant devotional practice in the 15th century. The image, likely intended for personal meditation, reveals the popular imagery and themes of the late medieval period, showcasing the suffering of Christ and the role of prayer and contemplation in religious devotion.