The Nailing to the Cross 1548

Augustin Hirschvogel's 1548 etching "The Nailing to the Cross" depicts the final moments of Jesus's crucifixion. The scene is presented in a stark and graphic manner with four figures, two of them nailing Christ to the cross, while a third watches and another gestures towards Heaven. The detail of the tools, the realistic portrayal of Christ's agony, and the inclusion of the inscription below provide a powerful image of suffering and sacrifice. This work exemplifies the art of the Northern Renaissance, with its focus on detail and realism. The inscription references a passage from the book of John, which reinforces the religious significance of the scene.