Christus in de rozenkrans 1515

Albrecht Durer’s woodcut, made around 1515, depicts Christ on the cross encircled by a rosary of figures and symbols central to Christian faith. Consider the rose garland itself: throughout history, the rose has signified both earthly love and divine mystery. Its thorns evoke pain, while its petals represent beauty and perfection. This duality is mirrored in the image, where Christ's suffering is juxtaposed with the promise of salvation. Note how the cross, the Ten Commandments, and various saints are all woven into this floral matrix, each contributing to a complex narrative of faith. The motif of the rose garland reappears in various forms throughout history, from ancient Roman festivals to medieval tapestries. Its cyclical nature reminds us of the ever-repeating patterns of human experience, a powerful force engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. These symbols are not static relics of the past, but living entities.