Intocht in Jerusalem 16th century

Monogrammist AW created this woodcut, Intocht in Jerusalem, in the 16th century. The image presents Christ's entry into Jerusalem, not as a moment of humble arrival, but as a demonstration of authority. We can note the power dynamics in the image through the reactions of the figures present. Some lay down garments as Christ passes on the donkey, while others extend branches in gestures of supplication. The architecture in the background is also interesting; the artist appears to be deliberately combining local architecture with a biblical scene to suggest the timeless relevance of the event. Looking at the printmaking tradition of the period, particularly in the Netherlands, we can better understand the socio-political dimensions of this work. It could have been used as propaganda to advocate the power of the Catholic Church. Through historical research, including the study of religious and political pamphlets of the period, we can better appreciate how such images functioned within the social and institutional contexts of their time.