Artwork
The Crucifixion
The Crucifixion is a print by the Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer. It dates from 1498 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
The Crucifixion, a 1498 print by Albrecht Dürer, is a religious artwork depicting the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Characterized by sharp lines, deep shadows, and strong contrasts, the composition is densely populated and dramatically rendered.
Subject & Meaning
The central subject is Jesus Christ nailed to a cross set against a dark sky. Surrounding figures, including kneeling and standing onlookers, angels, animals, and various shapes, convey a sense of dynamic emotional response to the crucifixion.
Technique & Style
Dürer employed chiaroscuro to create pronounced contrasts, making figures stand out amidst the busy scene. The print's technical precision reflects Dürer's renowned skill as a printmaker.
History & Provenance
Created in 1498 by the influential German Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer, the work is now part of the Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.
Context
Reflecting Dürer's engagement with Italian Renaissance techniques and his later patronage by Emperor Maximilian I, The Crucifixion exemplifies the artistic exchange and religious themes of its time.
Artist & collection
Artist
Albrecht Dürer spent his life in Nuremberg, a busy German city where artists traded prints like currency.
![Madonna and Child [obverse], by Albrecht Dürer](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/albrecht-durer--madonna-and-child-obverse--d7b8ebf05d22ebe5-w320.webp)
![Lot and His Daughters [reverse], by Albrecht Dürer](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/albrecht-durer--lot-and-his-daughters-reverse--b4ebf9b282faa17a-w320.webp)
