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A woodcut depicting a bishop greeting the retinue of a traveling cardinal. The cardinal rides a horse with attendants holding a canopy above him while the remainder of his retinue stands before him and a bishop stands in a doorway. The scene is flanked by a pair of cherubs supporting fruit trees. The woodcut is reused throughout the work.

A woodcut depicting a bishop greeting the retinue of a traveling cardinal. The cardinal rides a horse with attendants holding a canopy above him while the remainder of his retinue stands before him and a bishop stands in a doorway. The scene is flanked by a pair of cherubs supporting fruit trees. The woodcut is reused throughout the work.

A woodcut depicting the traveling retinue of an empress or queen. The empress or queen sits side-saddle on a horse with attendents holding a canopy above her while a procession holding a cross go before her. The scene is flanked by ornamental scroll work featuring cherubs. The woodcut is reused throughout the work.

A woodcut depicting the traveling retinue of an empress or queen. The empress or queen sits side-saddle on a horse with attendents holding a canopy above her while a procession holding a cross go before her. The scene is flanked by ornamental scroll work featuring cherubs. The woodcut is reused throughout the work.

A medallion featuring the Agnus Dei (Lamb of God) with a cross banner.

A medallion featuring the Agnus Dei (Lamb of God) with a cross banner.

An architectural historiated woodcut border on the title page of Luther's German Catechism. The border consists of a decorative arch, topped with a pair of cherubs supporting a roundel with the Luther rose on the left and a crest with the Lamb of God on the right. At the bottom of the page, the scene of the Crucifixion is depicted with Jesus in the center, flanked by the two thieves, however as the bottom right corner of the page is torn away, the second thief is missing.

An architectural historiated woodcut border on the title page of Luther's German Catechism. The border consists of a decorative arch, topped with a pair of cherubs supporting a roundel with the Luther rose on the left and a crest with the Lamb of God on the right. At the bottom of the page, the scene of the Crucifixion is depicted with Jesus in the center, flanked by the two thieves, however as the bottom right corner of the page is torn away, the second thief is missing.

A woodcut depicting a bishop blessing a new cross on a church altar. The scene is flanked by a pair of cherubs supporting fruit trees. This woodcut is reused throughout the work.

A woodcut depicting a bishop blessing a new cross on a church altar. The scene is flanked by a pair of cherubs supporting fruit trees. This woodcut is reused throughout the work.

A series of six engravings depicting a variety of Catholic blessings, including: blessing of priestly robes (top left), blessing of the cross (top right), adoration of the cross (middle left), blessing of the sun (middle right) blessing of a soldier (bottom left), and blessing of a flag (bottom right).

A series of six engravings depicting a variety of Catholic blessings, including: blessing of priestly robes (top left), blessing of the cross (top right), adoration of the cross (middle left), blessing of the sun (middle right) blessing of a soldier (bottom left), and blessing of a flag (bottom right).

A pair of engravings depicting the observance of Maundy Thursday (top) by washing the feet of twelve poor people, and Good Friday (bottom) by offering addoration to the Cross.

A pair of engravings depicting the observance of Maundy Thursday (top) by washing the feet of twelve poor people, and Good Friday (bottom) by offering addoration to the Cross.

A communion token from the U. P. Congregation in Bishop Auckland, Durham, England. The token is circular with inscriptions on the obverse, "U. P. Congregation + Bishop Auckland + Revd. Thos. Boyd 1867", and reverse, "Ticket of Admission to the + Lord's Table + [cross] 1 Cor. XI.24."

A communion token from the U. P. Congregation in Bishop Auckland, Durham, England. The token is circular with inscriptions on the obverse, "U. P. Congregation + Bishop Auckland + Revd. Thos. Boyd 1867", and reverse, "Ticket of Admission to the + Lord's Table + [cross] 1 Cor. XI.24."

A woodcut depicting the consecration of a bishop. The bishop elect kneels before a trio of consecrating bishops, one of whom marks the bishop elect's forehead with the sign of the cross in holy oil. The scene is flanked by ornamental scroll work featuring pelicans and snails. The woodcut is reused throughout the work.

A woodcut depicting the consecration of a bishop. The bishop elect kneels before a trio of consecrating bishops, one of whom marks the bishop elect's forehead with the sign of the cross in holy oil. The scene is flanked by ornamental scroll work featuring pelicans and snails. The woodcut is reused throughout the work.

A series of six engravings depicting the steps of consecration for new items within a church, including a cross, a bell and a statue.

A series of six engravings depicting the steps of consecration for new items within a church, including a cross, a bell and a statue.

A series of six engravings depicting the process of consecrating the interior of a church with holy oil. The scenes show a bishop anointing and consecrating parts of a church, known as chrism, including crosses on the walls, the trappings of the altar, and the altar itself.

A series of six engravings depicting the process of consecrating the interior of a church with holy oil. The scenes show a bishop anointing and consecrating parts of a church, known as chrism, including crosses on the walls, the trappings of the altar, and the altar itself.

A woodcut depicting the dedication or consecration of a church. A bishop follows a procession of preists bearing a container of relics draped in ornate fabric to be placed inside the altar. The scene is flanked by a pair of cherubs standing atop eagles and bags of snakes. The woodcut is reused throughout the work.

A woodcut depicting the dedication or consecration of a church. A bishop follows a procession of preists bearing a container of relics draped in ornate fabric to be placed inside the altar. The scene is flanked by a pair of cherubs standing atop eagles and bags of snakes. The woodcut is reused throughout the work.

A procession of pilgrims carrying a cross along the Via Dolorosa.

A procession of pilgrims carrying a cross along the Via Dolorosa.

An engraved border to Descrizione di Roma moderna formata nvovamente. The engraving depicts a pair of figures, one holding a cross and chalice and the other holding an anchor flanking a crest with three bees (the Barberini family) crowned by a galero (bottom), a pair of cherubs with shields (one with the papal keys and the other with S.P.Q.R.

An engraved border to Descrizione di Roma moderna formata nvovamente. The engraving depicts a pair of figures, one holding a cross and chalice and the other holding an anchor flanking a crest with three bees (the Barberini family) crowned by a galero (bottom), a pair of cherubs with shields (one with the papal keys and the other with S.P.Q.R.

A woodcut border to Luther's German translation of the Old Testament printed in 1523. The border is composed of one woodcut depicting an architectural arch supported by four columns, a gathering of cherubs (top and sides), and a group of worshipers (?) around a crucified Christ (bottom).

A woodcut border to Luther's German translation of the Old Testament printed in 1523. The border is composed of one woodcut depicting an architectural arch supported by four columns, a gathering of cherubs (top and sides), and a group of worshipers (?) around a crucified Christ (bottom).

An engraved title page to Onuphrii Panuinii Veronensis Fratris Eremitae Augustiniani. XXVII. Pontificum Maximorum elogia et imagines. The engraving depicts a sculpted building facade including a base with two coats of arms and an illustration of a stork standing before a desert city (bottom); two columns with a two coats of arms and four icons featuring a peacock, anvil, burning barrel, and an obelisk (sides); and at the top, two papal crests flanking a woman holding a cross and the Keys of Heaven, while above her is a dove representing the Holy Spirit.

An engraved title page to Onuphrii Panuinii Veronensis Fratris Eremitae Augustiniani. XXVII. Pontificum Maximorum elogia et imagines. The engraving depicts a sculpted building facade including a base with two coats of arms and an illustration of a stork standing before a desert city (bottom); two columns with a two coats of arms and four icons featuring a peacock, anvil, burning barrel, and an obelisk (sides); and at the top, two papal crests flanking a woman holding a cross and the Keys of Heaven, while above her is a dove representing the Holy Spirit.

A woodcut border on the title page of Luther's De captivitate babylonica ecclesiae printed in 1520. The border is comprised of a single woodcut. At the bottom, there is a crest with the Brazen Serpent coiled around a cross with two men pulling it from either side. On the sides, there are two plinths, cherubs, and riders atop a pair of centaur-like figures. At the top, there is another crest featuring two towers and a striped shield.

A woodcut border on the title page of Luther's De captivitate babylonica ecclesiae printed in 1520. The border is comprised of a single woodcut. At the bottom, there is a crest with the Brazen Serpent coiled around a cross with two men pulling it from either side. On the sides, there are two plinths, cherubs, and riders atop a pair of centaur-like figures. At the top, there is another crest featuring two towers and a striped shield.

A woodcut border on the title page of Luther's Sermon von den Heiltumen printed in 1522. The border consists of four woodcuts, all featuring plant motifs with added elements, including: a bird (left), birds and bugs (top), fruits (right), and an urn (bottom). Within the border and below the title is a fifth woodcut depicting the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, with the Virgin Mary to the left and a saint to the right.

A woodcut border on the title page of Luther's Sermon von den Heiltumen printed in 1522. The border consists of four woodcuts, all featuring plant motifs with added elements, including: a bird (left), birds and bugs (top), fruits (right), and an urn (bottom). Within the border and below the title is a fifth woodcut depicting the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, with the Virgin Mary to the left and a saint to the right.

The act of instructing the ignorant, illustrated and accompanied by scriptural references.

The act of instructing the ignorant, illustrated and accompanied by scriptural references.

This large-format broadside was probably issued to commemorate and popularize the canonization of Charles Borromeo (1538-1584) in November of 1610. Borromeo was a crucial interlocutor during the final sessions of the Council of Trent and also undertook many reforming practices while serving as the Archbishop of Milan. Although the engraving was printed in Antwerp, the text including the detailed captions demonstrate that it was intended for an Italian audience.

This large-format broadside was probably issued to commemorate and popularize the canonization of Charles Borromeo (1538-1584) in November of 1610. Borromeo was a crucial interlocutor during the final sessions of the Council of Trent and also undertook many reforming practices while serving as the Archbishop of Milan. Although the engraving was printed in Antwerp, the text including the detailed captions demonstrate that it was intended for an Italian audience.

An initial letter "R" featuring Jesus rising from his tomb and holding a standard bearing the cross.

An initial letter "R" featuring Jesus rising from his tomb and holding a standard bearing the cross.

A woodcut depicting the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, featuring the figures of the Virgin Mary, St. John, and a third figure.

A woodcut depicting the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, featuring the figures of the Virgin Mary, St. John, and a third figure.

An engraving depicting Jesus being nailed to the cross. A soldier holds Jesus whil two workmen drive nails into his feet and left hand. To the left are the two thieves who are to be crucified alongside Jesus, Gestas and Dismas.

An engraving depicting Jesus being nailed to the cross. A soldier holds Jesus whil two workmen drive nails into his feet and left hand. To the left are the two thieves who are to be crucified alongside Jesus, Gestas and Dismas.

Summary: De laudibus sanctae crucis (On the praise of the Holy Cross) is a collection of poems and figures, including geometric shapes, letters, drawings and even complex miniatures produced in the early 9th century in the scriptorium of the Abbey at Fulda under the direction of Hrabanus Maurus, archbishop of Mainz, who also provided the commentary found in the work. The book is an important testimony to Carolingian book art.

Summary: De laudibus sanctae crucis (On the praise of the Holy Cross) is a collection of poems and figures, including geometric shapes, letters, drawings and even complex miniatures produced in the early 9th century in the scriptorium of the Abbey at Fulda under the direction of Hrabanus Maurus, archbishop of Mainz, who also provided the commentary found in the work. The book is an important testimony to Carolingian book art.

One of three crosses making different zones across a two-acre field at the Saint Paul Spiritual Holy Temple in Memphis, Tennessee.

One of three crosses making different zones across a two-acre field at the Saint Paul Spiritual Holy Temple in Memphis, Tennessee.

An engraved ornamental tailpiece to the first and second sections on the Inquisition, depicting a pair of Catholic officials trying a man during the Inquisition.

An engraved ornamental tailpiece to the first and second sections on the Inquisition, depicting a pair of Catholic officials trying a man during the Inquisition.

A woodcut depicting Saint Jerome in prototypical fashion, kneeling before a crucifix and smiting himself on the chest with a stone. It also includes two of the other 'attributes' that typically occur in his portraits: the lion and the cardinal’s hat. The printer, Wolfgang Stöckel may have used it as a kind of printer's device, and some have characterized it as a loose copy of the work of Wolf Traut.

A woodcut depicting Saint Jerome in prototypical fashion, kneeling before a crucifix and smiting himself on the chest with a stone. It also includes two of the other 'attributes' that typically occur in his portraits: the lion and the cardinal’s hat. The printer, Wolfgang Stöckel may have used it as a kind of printer's device, and some have characterized it as a loose copy of the work of Wolf Traut.

A woodcut printer's device of Melchior Lotter featuring a crest depicting the Brazen Serpent wrapped around a cross.

A woodcut printer's device of Melchior Lotter featuring a crest depicting the Brazen Serpent wrapped around a cross.

A woodcut depicting the public expulsion of penitents from the community of the church on Ash Wednesday. The penitents, wearing hair shirts and carrying candles, are led out of the church by a bishop and his retinue. The scene is flanked by a pair of cherubs supporting fruit trees. The woodcut is reused throughout the work.

A woodcut depicting the public expulsion of penitents from the community of the church on Ash Wednesday. The penitents, wearing hair shirts and carrying candles, are led out of the church by a bishop and his retinue. The scene is flanked by a pair of cherubs supporting fruit trees. The woodcut is reused throughout the work.

A woodcut depicting Mary and Joseph of Arimathea taking the body of Jesus down from the cross. The crown of thorns lies on the ground beside Jesus and the inscription "INRI" appears above the cross.

A woodcut depicting Mary and Joseph of Arimathea taking the body of Jesus down from the cross. The crown of thorns lies on the ground beside Jesus and the inscription "INRI" appears above the cross.

A woodcut depicting funeral rites performed upon the death of a bishop. The body of the deceased bishop is laid on an ornate bier while five presiding bishops stand at each corner of the bier and at the head, offering prayers. The scene is flanked by a pair of cherubs holding rings and kneeling atop helmets. The woodcut is reused throughout the work.

A woodcut depicting funeral rites performed upon the death of a bishop. The body of the deceased bishop is laid on an ornate bier while five presiding bishops stand at each corner of the bier and at the head, offering prayers. The scene is flanked by a pair of cherubs holding rings and kneeling atop helmets. The woodcut is reused throughout the work.

An engraving depicting the martyrdom of Saint Andrew the Apostle. The image shows Andrew bound with rope to an X-shaped cross while a crowd watches.

An engraving depicting the martyrdom of Saint Andrew the Apostle. The image shows Andrew bound with rope to an X-shaped cross while a crowd watches.

An engraving depicting the martyrdom of Saint Simon the Zealot. The image shows Simon being led towards a prepared cross, the spikes to be used to nail him down prepared in a basket in the foreground.

An engraving depicting the martyrdom of Saint Simon the Zealot. The image shows Simon being led towards a prepared cross, the spikes to be used to nail him down prepared in a basket in the foreground.

An engraving depicting the shopkeeper, Simon, refusing to worship the crucifix. The image shows Simon (right) standing resolutely as other kneeling citizens try to encourage him to kneel before the passing procession of the crucifix.

An engraving depicting the shopkeeper, Simon, refusing to worship the crucifix. The image shows Simon (right) standing resolutely as other kneeling citizens try to encourage him to kneel before the passing procession of the crucifix.

A series of four engravings depicting the standards of the Spanish and Goan Inquisitions (top), a man awaiting judgement (bottom left), and a nun who avoided being condemned to the stake by confessing (bottom right). The standard of the Spanish Inquisition features a cross made of rough logs, flanked by a sword and a branch with the motto, "EXURGE DOMINE ET JUDICA CAUSAM TUAM PSALM 73." The standard of the Goan Inquisition features a Dominican monk holding a sword and branch above a dog holding a torch to an orb with the motto, "MISERICORDIA ET JUSTITIA."

A series of four engravings depicting the standards of the Spanish and Goan Inquisitions (top), a man awaiting judgement (bottom left), and a nun who avoided being condemned to the stake by confessing (bottom right). The standard of the Spanish Inquisition features a cross made of rough logs, flanked by a sword and a branch with the motto, "EXURGE DOMINE ET JUDICA CAUSAM TUAM PSALM 73." The standard of the Goan Inquisition features a Dominican monk holding a sword and branch above a dog holding a torch to an orb with the motto, "MISERICORDIA ET JUSTITIA."

An engraving depicting a portrait of St. Bridget of Sweden above a crosier, a coat of arms bearing a cross, and an image of Jesus appearing to her to convey the number of blows he suffered during the Passion.

An engraving depicting a portrait of St. Bridget of Sweden above a crosier, a coat of arms bearing a cross, and an image of Jesus appearing to her to convey the number of blows he suffered during the Passion.

A woodcut depicting two men gambling in the foreground as Christ is crucified and stabbed in the background.

A woodcut depicting two men gambling in the foreground as Christ is crucified and stabbed in the background.

A woodcut of Christ crucified with the Virgin Mary (left) and John the Evangelist (right). A skull sits at the base of the cross and the inscription INRI appears above it.

A woodcut of Christ crucified with the Virgin Mary (left) and John the Evangelist (right). A skull sits at the base of the cross and the inscription INRI appears above it.

A woodcut depicting a violation of and proper following of the First Commandment (in the Lutheran tradition), "Thou shalt have no other god before me." On the right, a group of worshipers gather around the crucified Christ thereby following the First Commandment. In contrast, on the left, a group worships an "idol" in the form of a horned figure on a pedestal.

A woodcut depicting a violation of and proper following of the First Commandment (in the Lutheran tradition), "Thou shalt have no other god before me." On the right, a group of worshipers gather around the crucified Christ thereby following the First Commandment. In contrast, on the left, a group worships an "idol" in the form of a horned figure on a pedestal.

A woodcut depicting the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, including a crowd of onlookers surrounding the Virgin Mary.

A woodcut depicting the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, including a crowd of onlookers surrounding the Virgin Mary.

A woodcut depicting the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, with the Virgin Mary baring a breast on the left and God (or possibly Moses) on the right holding the tablets bearing the Ten Commandments.

A woodcut depicting the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, with the Virgin Mary baring a breast on the left and God (or possibly Moses) on the right holding the tablets bearing the Ten Commandments.

An engraving depicting a scene from the seventeenth book of the epic poem, Saint Louys, in which a recovered Zahide sees a vision of the Virgin Mary surounded by angels and holding a cross, and is converted.

An engraving depicting a scene from the seventeenth book of the epic poem, Saint Louys, in which a recovered Zahide sees a vision of the Virgin Mary surounded by angels and holding a cross, and is converted.