The Crowning with Thorns c. 1480

"The Crowning with Thorns," an engraving by Israhel van Meckenem from around 1480, depicts the moment when Jesus is crowned with thorns by Roman soldiers. The print, created by the prolific German artist, uses fine lines and intricate detail to capture the drama and brutality of the scene. It's a powerful illustration of the Passion of Christ, a popular subject for religious art in the 15th century. The print's composition, with the figures arranged in a pyramid, emphasizes the central figure of Jesus, and his suffering is made even more poignant by the presence of the two dogs in the foreground, one of which is looking up at him. This engraving, likely intended for private devotion, provides a glimpse into the religious sensibilities of the time, and the skill of a master printmaker.