Artwork
Christ on the Mount of Olives
Christ on the Mount of Olives 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
Albrecht Altdorfer’s woodcut *Christ on the Mount of Olives* dates to roughly 1513. Executed on laid paper, the print presents a nocturnal biblical episode in which Christ is isolated in prayer while his followers lie asleep around him, under a turbulent sky.
Subject & Meaning
The image captures the moment from the Gospel narratives when Jesus, aware of his impending betrayal, withdraws to the Mount of Olives to pray. The surrounding disciples, depicted in various reclining poses, emphasize their human frailty and the contrast between divine resolve and mortal fatigue.
Technique & Style
Altdorfer employs the woodcut’s characteristic sharp incisions and strong chiaroscuro to render dramatic lighting and deep shadows. The rough grain of the block contributes a textured, chaotic surface that heightens the emotional intensity of the scene.
History & Provenance
Created while Altdorfer was active in Regensburg, the print reflects his involvement with the Danube School, a group noted for integrating detailed natural settings into religious narratives. The work also aligns with the output of the Nuremberg Little Masters, a circle of engravers known for finely detailed prints.
Context
During the early sixteenth century, Altdorfer’s practice combined landscape as an autonomous element with devotional subjects. This approach situates the *Mount of Olives* scene within a broader trend of Northern Renaissance artists who used expansive, expressive environments to frame biblical events.
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…
