The Agony in the Gardens and Christ's Arrest, plate ten from Passio domini nostri Jesu Christi c. 1503

Urs Graf created this woodcut, "The Agony in the Gardens and Christ's Arrest," in the early 16th century. It depicts two scenes from the Passion of Christ, reflecting the religious and social climate of the time. Made in Switzerland, the print reflects a culture grappling with religious reform, social upheaval and rising antisemitism. The imagery can be interpreted as a commentary on contemporary social structures. The flag displays a Crescent and star, which may allude to the association of Jews with the Ottoman Empire, a common trope in antisemitic imagery. The figures of Christ and his followers are rendered with a certain vulnerability, contrasting with the aggression of the arresting soldiers. Graf’s imagery invites reflection on power dynamics and social justice, themes that resonated deeply in the context of the Reformation. As historians, we look to sources such as theological texts, social commentaries, and other artworks to fully understand the complex layers of meaning embedded in Graf's work. The meaning of this piece relies heavily on the context of its time.