Bearing of the Cross, from The Fall and Redemption of Man 1513

Albrecht Altdorfer’s woodcut, "Bearing of the Cross," is part of his larger series “The Fall and Redemption of Man.” Created in 1513, the artwork depicts the moment when a group of soldiers forces Christ to bear his cross, an image of extreme suffering and humiliation. The dramatic use of light and shadow, along with the detailed depiction of the soldiers' armor and weaponry, creates a sense of both violence and pathos. The woodcut's powerful depiction of the event and the artist's masterful handling of light and shadow have made it a popular and influential work of art.