Artwork
Christ on the Cross
Christ on the Cross is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Albrecht Altdorfer. It dates from 1515 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Christ on the Cross is an engraving on laid paper created by Albrecht Altdorfer around 1515. It is a representative work of the Danube School, a group known for expressive and colorful landscapes.
Subject & Meaning
The engraving depicts the crucifixion of Jesus, with two figures below him, a woman with clasped hands and a man gazing upward. The scene is set against a dark sky with sunbursts around Jesus' head and angels holding instruments of the Passion nearby.
Technique & Style
Altdorfer used fine lines and shading to convey depth and emotional weight. The engraving's varying line thickness creates a sense of light and shadow, characteristic of the technique.
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…
Christ on the Cross
Christ on the Cross
Christ on the Cross
Christ on the Cross
Christ on the Cross
Christ on the Cross
Christ on the Cross
Christ on the Cross with the Virgin and Saint John
Christ on the cross between the virgin and St. John
The Crucifixion
Christ on the Cross
Virgin and Saint John at the Foot of the Cross