Christ Carrying the Cross c. 15th century

Curator: Here we have an early woodcut, titled "Christ Carrying the Cross." Its artist is anonymous. Editor: Gosh, it’s rather…stark, isn't it? The figures seem so angular, almost harsh. Curator: The simple lines and the use of red ink for emphasis were common at the time. Notice the halo and the wounds – the red draws your eye. Editor: True, but even that halo feels less ethereal and more like a brand. It emphasizes the brutality, doesn't it? Curator: These prints served a purpose. They weren't meant to be pretty; they were mnemonic devices, intended to sear images of faith into the viewer’s mind. Editor: Well, it certainly leaves an impression, a rather painful one. Curator: Indeed. It's a raw, powerful image of suffering, designed for maximum impact. Editor: Thinking about it, the artist accomplished exactly that—a stark, unflinching depiction.