The Agony in the Garden, from The Passion c. 1480

"The Agony in the Garden," by Martin Schongauer, was made sometime before his death in 1491, using engraving. Schongauer, a prominent printmaker and painter from Colmar, France, created this piece during a time of religious and social upheaval. His work often reflected the intersection of faith and human experience. In this scene, part of his "Passion" series, we witness Christ in profound anguish in the Garden of Gethsemane. The emotional weight of the moment is palpable; Christ's isolation is stark against the backdrop of his sleeping disciples. The angel, bearing the cross, symbolizes the inescapable nature of his fate. Schongauer masterfully uses line and composition to convey the psychological drama, inviting viewers to contemplate themes of sacrifice, doubt, and divine will. The print serves not only as a religious narrative but as a mirror to the anxieties of its time, reflecting the universal struggle between faith and human frailty.