Artwork
The Fall and Redemption of Man: The Raising of the Cross
The Fall and Redemption of Man: The Raising of the Cross is a print by the Renaissance artist Albrecht Altdorfer. It dates from 1515 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
The Fall and Redemption of Man: The Raising of the Cross is a woodcut created by Albrecht Altdorfer around 1515, exemplifying the Danube School's characteristic blend of biblical themes with detailed, colorful landscapes.
Subject & Meaning
The work depicts the Crucifixion, set amidst a natural environment, though the focus is intensely on the chaotic scene of figures engaged in raising the cross, conveying the turmoil and urgency of the moment.
Technique & Style
Executed in bold, dark lines, the woodcut packs a dense, crowded composition into a small space, emphasizing the intensity of the scene through the intricate rendering of bodies, tools, and expressions.
History & Provenance
Albrecht Altdorfer, a prominent Danube School artist and member of the Nuremberg Little Masters, created this work, reflecting his proficiency in both engraving and painting.
Context
Produced during the Renaissance, this piece aligns with Altdorfer's practice of situating biblical and historical events within vivid landscapes, contributing to the evolution of independent landscape art.
Legacy
This woodcut demonstrates Altdorfer's narrative capability through woodcuts, influencing the depiction of dramatic biblical scenes in subsequent artistic practices.
Artist & collection
Artist
Albrecht Altdorfer (c. 1480 – 12 February 1538) was a German painter, engraver and architect of the Renaissance working in Regensburg. Along with Lucas Cranach the Elder and Wolf Huber he is regarded to be the main…
