Artwork
Christ before Pilate
Christ before Pilate is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Albrecht Altdorfer. It dates from 1513 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Christ before Pilate is a woodcut on laid paper created by Albrecht Altdorfer around 1513. It is a print that showcases Altdorfer's skill in combining biblical narrative with landscape.
Subject & Meaning
The woodcut depicts the biblical scene of Jesus standing before Pontius Pilate, surrounded by a crowd. The detailed rendering of armor and robes adds depth to the narrative.
Technique & Style
Altdorfer employed the woodcut technique, carving the image into wood and transferring it to paper through ink. The resulting print features strong, dark lines characteristic of his work and the Danube School style, known for expressive landscape backgrounds.
History & Provenance
As a leading figure in the Danube School, Altdorfer's work reflects the artistic innovations of his time, alongside other notable artists such as Lucas Cranach the Elder and Wolf Huber.
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…
