The Fall and Redemption of Man: The Raising of the Cross
1515
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
1515
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
This woodcut shows a chaotic scene of people struggling around a large wooden cross. One man is nailed to it, arms spread wide, while others push, pull, or watch nearby. The background has a simple sky and a few trees, but the focus is on the tangled bodies and sharp tools below. The artist packed a lot into the small space—every face and limb feels urgent. The lines are bold and dark, making the scene feel crowded and intense. Next, check out Albrecht Altdorfer to see how he used woodcuts to tell dramatic stories.
