Artwork
The Descent from the Cross
The Descent from the Cross 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 'The Descent from the Cross' is a woodcut on laid paper, created around 1513. It exemplifies the artist's work as a key figure in the Danube School, a group associated with the development of landscape as a standalone subject in art.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts the removal of Christ's body from the cross, set against a dense landscape of rocks and trees. The scene is characterized by dynamic figures and emotional intensity, with onlookers witnessing the event below.
Technique & Style
Executed in sharp, expressive lines, the black-and-white woodcut conveys a sense of movement and tension. The technique involved carving a design into wood, inking it, and transferring the image to paper, allowing for relatively quick dissemination.
Context
Altdorfer's work was influenced by his location in Regensburg and his association with other artists, such as the Nuremberg Little Masters, known for their detailed engravings. His practice spanned various mediums, including engravings and woodcuts.
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…
