Christ before Annas (?) c. 16th century

Curator: Lucas Cranach the Elder's woodcut, likely titled "Christ before Annas," portrays a moment of intense spiritual and physical conflict. Editor: It feels claustrophobic. The crowding figures, the contrast of light and shadow… there's a palpable sense of unease, a crushing of the spirit. Curator: Note the dog curled at Christ's feet—a symbol of fidelity, perhaps, amidst betrayal. Consider the mocking figure perched above Annas, embodying the forces arrayed against Christ. Editor: The clothing is a real marker of social and political power. The armored guards, Annas's finery... it underscores how systems of authority condemned Christ. Curator: Indeed, Cranach's composition guides our eye through layers of symbolism, inviting reflection on faith, power, and sacrifice. Editor: This image resonates still. The fight against oppression is a continuum. Thank you.