Christ Unclothed c. 1500 - 1525

This small woodcut shows Christ being crowned with thorns, and was created by an anonymous artist sometime in the 16th century. Although we cannot be sure exactly when or where this print was made, its style suggests Northern Europe, where the printing press allowed for the relatively cheap circulation of images. This meant that religious images were no longer restricted to wealthy patrons or church institutions, but were available to a far wider public. We see Christ here as a vulnerable figure. He's unclothed and emaciated, and stares downwards. A figure in elaborate costume presses a crown of thorns onto his head. The image offers a potent commentary on the unjust use of earthly power, contrasting the suffering of Christ with the relative comfort of his tormentor. Historical research can reveal the varying roles of art during the Reformation, and how artists at this time negotiated religious sensibilities. Ultimately, it is up to us to decide what meaning this work holds for us today.