Ecce Homo, from Speculum passionis domini nostri Ihesu Christi 1507

Hans Schäufelein created this woodcut, "Ecce Homo," part of the Speculum passionis domini nostri Ihesu Christi, with a dense network of lines that render both form and texture. The stark contrast between light and shadow intensifies the emotional weight of the scene, which shows Christ presented to the jeering crowd. The composition is structured to focus our attention on the interplay between Christ's subdued figure and the dynamic gestures of the surrounding figures. Schäufelein masterfully uses line and form to distinguish between the textures of cloth, skin, and architectural elements. Look closely, and you'll see the way the artist varies the direction and density of his lines, creating a sense of depth and realism. This print engages with complex theological and social themes. The artist uses a semiotic system of gestures to interpret the scene. Each pointing finger, each sneering face, contributes to a broader cultural narrative about power, justice, and sacrifice. The scene destabilizes established meanings, inviting us to reflect on the instability inherent in human judgment.