De kruisiging 1521 - 1525

Albrecht Durer made this image, "De Kruisiging", or "The Crucifixion" in the early 16th century, with pen in brown ink. The crucifixion was a central narrative in the visual culture of early modern Europe. Here, Durer uses the traditional religious scene to reflect the social and political structures of his time. This work’s themes of suffering and sacrifice would have resonated deeply in a society marked by religious conflict and social inequality. Consider how the artist frames the scene: is there anything especially German about it? The architecture, the clothing? What do these local inflections say about the universal message of the Passion? Is it a conservative or progressive statement? To understand this artwork more fully, historians might consult theological texts, social histories of the period, or even records from the artist's own workshop. Understanding the institutions and social conditions of the time is crucial to interpreting the artwork's meaning and its role in society.