Christ as Good Shepherd, from Das Plenarium 1517

Hans Schäufelein created this woodcut of ‘Christ as Good Shepherd’ as part of ‘Das Plenarium,’ a German book containing all the Gospels and Epistles read throughout the Church year. Produced in the early 16th century, the image reflects the religious and social concerns of the time. Schäufelein presents Christ in a humble, pastoral setting, carrying a lamb, a powerful symbol of care and sacrifice. This imagery would have resonated deeply in a society where the Church played a central role in daily life. The woodcut's creation was influenced by the rise of printmaking, enabling the wide distribution of religious images and ideas. The Reformation, with its critiques of Church authority, was also brewing, so it is interesting to consider how the humble imagery might have reflected or challenged the opulence of the Church at the time. The meaning of this work is deeply rooted in its historical context, with the interpretation of sources, such as religious texts, social histories, and the history of printmaking, providing valuable insights.