The Man of Sorrows 1503 - 1513

Ludwig Krug created this engraving titled 'The Man of Sorrows' around the early 16th century. The composition is dominated by the figure of Christ, framed centrally, and flanked by two small, winged figures set against a backdrop of shadowed lines that create depth and enclosure. The texture feels tactile, and the intricate network of lines constructs a scene steeped in somber reflection. Notice how Krug uses linear precision to define forms and evoke emotional depth. The stigmata on Christ’s hands are rendered with careful detail, drawing attention to the texture of suffering, while the two flanking figures suggest symbolic elements of both comfort and accusation. The spatial arrangement—Christ positioned forward against a receding backdrop—creates a play of presence and absence, emphasizing the figure's isolation. This arrangement transcends mere religious iconography. Instead, it functions as a visual exploration of emotional and spiritual states. The engraving challenges viewers to engage with themes of mortality, redemption, and the human condition.