Sacred Monogram in a Sacred Heart on a Cloth Held by an Angel c. 1480

This woodcut print depicts an angel holding a cloth with a sacred heart that contains the monogram "IHS" (a common abbreviation for Jesus). The inscription in German on the bottom reads: "The heart is pierced through, wounded with a spear, for love of the Lord, Jesus Christ." This artwork is a devotional image that embodies the central themes of Christian faith - love, sacrifice, and redemption. The woodcut style, prevalent in the 15th century, is evident in the bold lines and flat planes of the image. This print, an anonymous work, likely served a devotional purpose for private prayer and contemplation.