Christ on the Cross, plate ten from the Passion of Christ 1596 - 1598

Hendrick Goltzius created this print, “Christ on the Cross,” as part of his series “The Passion of Christ.” It's a complex image that speaks volumes about the social and religious climate of the late 16th century. Made in the Netherlands, a region then undergoing the throes of the Protestant Reformation, Goltzius’s work is laden with symbolism and historical associations. The crucifixion scene, a cornerstone of Christian theology, is rendered with meticulous detail, inviting viewers to contemplate not only the suffering of Christ but also the broader implications of faith, power, and sacrifice. Goltzius, working within a well-established printmaking industry, would have been aware of how images could shape public opinion. In this context, “Christ on the Cross” may have been interpreted as a commentary on the religious tensions of the time, subtly challenging or reinforcing established norms. To truly understand a piece like this, we need to delve into the archives, examine religious texts, and explore the social and political histories that gave rise to its creation. Only then can we begin to appreciate the full weight of its meaning.