Soldiers under the cross 1489

Albrecht Durer made this ink drawing, Soldiers under the Cross, in Germany during the early 16th century. Durer was a printmaker, painter, and theorist whose work sits at the intersection of the late Gothic and early Renaissance artistic styles. Looking at this piece, we should consider the place of religion in society at this time. This work depicts a group of soldiers, presumably Roman, gathered at the foot of the cross. Durer’s composition invites the viewer to contemplate not only the soldiers' presence but also their role in the larger narrative of the crucifixion, a pivotal event in Christian theology. As art historians, we delve into historical texts, theological interpretations, and social analyses to understand the complex interplay between art, religion, and society during the Reformation, recognizing that the meaning of art is often contingent on its socio-historical context.