Christ on the Cross c. 1490

This anonymous woodcut from c. 1490 depicts the traditional scene of the crucifixion of Christ, with Mary and John the Evangelist flanking the cross. The artist uses simple, yet evocative lines to portray the emotional weight of the scene, evident in the postures of the figures. The inclusion of a skull and bone at the foot of the cross signifies Golgotha, the site of Christ’s death, emphasizing the sacrifice made. This artwork is a powerful example of religious art from the late Middle Ages.