Crucifixion 1511

This is Hans Baldung’s woodcut of the Crucifixion. Look at the skull at the base of the cross, a stark reminder of mortality. It's a symbol we've seen throughout art history, reminding us of our inevitable end, and here, it takes on an even deeper meaning by referencing Adam, whose sin is believed to have brought death into the world. The motif of the skull at the crucifixion reappears across centuries, echoing in paintings and sculptures, from ancient Roman memento mori to contemporary art installations. The skull is more than just a symbol; it is a powerful force engaging viewers on a subconscious level, tapping into our deepest fears and anxieties about death. Through the ages, the skull has resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings, from a symbol of vanitas in the Dutch Golden Age to a political statement in contemporary art.