Kruisdraging 1502 - 1510

Hans Lützelburger made this woodcut of the Crucifixion in the 16th century. The image presents a dense crowd scene, with Christ struggling under the weight of the cross amidst a chaotic swirl of soldiers, onlookers, and mourners against the backdrop of a city. Produced in Germany, this print reflects the religious and social upheaval of the Reformation. During this time the traditional imagery was being questioned. Lützelburger’s choice to depict the Passion with such raw emotion can be seen as aligning with the more personal and direct engagement with faith advocated by reformers. The print, distributed widely, would have invited viewers to contemplate the suffering of Christ and reflect on their own spiritual condition. To fully appreciate this work, we need to look at the history of printmaking during the Reformation, the lives of the artists and patrons involved, and the theological debates of the time. Art offers a window into the past, reflecting the beliefs, anxieties, and aspirations of the society that created it.