The Mocking of Christ, from Speculum passionis domini nostri Ihesu Christi 1507

Hans Schäufelein created this woodcut, *The Mocking of Christ*, as part of *Speculum passionis domini nostri Ihesu Christi*. Notice the dramatic scene rendered through stark black lines on a pale ground. The composition is densely packed, creating a sense of claustrophobia. The architectural setting, with its arched vault, looms over the figures, accentuating the psychological tension. Schäufelein uses line to create texture, from the robes of the tormentors to the delicate features of Christ. The contrast between the detailed rendering of the figures and the abstract background forces a focus on the human drama unfolding. Consider how the artist uses semiotic codes: Christ’s passivity, the tormentors’ active gestures, and the architectural framing. Schäufelein destabilizes the traditional iconography of religious art, presenting a raw, emotionally charged depiction of human cruelty. This woodcut challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about power, faith, and morality.