Christ on the Cross with The Virgin and Saint John (Schr. 452c) 15th century

This small, hand-colored woodcut, titled "Christ on the Cross with the Virgin and Saint John," was created by an anonymous artist. Although we don't know the artist's name, the artwork speaks volumes about the cultural and religious climate in which it was made. Images like these were instrumental in shaping the spiritual lives of everyday people, especially during times of political and social unrest. In this piece, we see Christ centered on the cross, his suffering witnessed by the Virgin Mary and Saint John. The choice to depict these three figures in the foreground creates a powerful emotional focal point. The artist seems to be considering the complexities of identity. What does it mean to be a man, a woman, or a divine figure in a world filled with suffering? What does it mean to witness such suffering? Ultimately, this woodcut serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact of faith on personal identity and the ways in which art can provide solace and meaning in the face of adversity.