Man of Sorrows, from Speculum Passionis Domini Nostri Ihesu Christi 1507

Hans Baldung created this woodcut, "Man of Sorrows," as part of a series for the Speculum Passionis Domini Nostri Ihesu Christi. Baldung was working in the German-speaking lands during the early 16th century, a time of great religious and social upheaval. The image depicts Christ, after his crucifixion, flanked by angels. The "Man of Sorrows" was a common devotional image, meant to inspire piety through the contemplation of Christ's suffering. Baldung's print appeared during the rise of printmaking as a popular medium. The relatively low cost of prints allowed for wider circulation of images and ideas, and the Protestant Reformation made good use of the new technology. Baldung remained Catholic, however, and his art often reflects traditional religious beliefs and the social structures of the time. As historians, we look to sources from the period—religious tracts, social commentaries, and artists’ biographies—to better understand the complex relationship between art and society. The meaning of this print, like all art, is contingent on its historical context.