Artwork
The Entombment
The Entombment 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
The Entombment is a woodcut on laid paper created by Albrecht Altdorfer around 1513. As a key figure in the Danube School, Altdorfer's work typically blended biblical scenes with detailed, expressive landscapes.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a somber funeral scene with mourners gathered around a body on a cloth. The composition conveys a sense of solemnity, with one kneeling figure in prayer and others standing or leaning in, set against a rocky hillside backdrop.
Technique & Style
Characterized by rough, textured lines resembling wood scratching, the black-and-white print features simple shapes and bold outlines. This style is consistent with 16th-century woodcut practices.
History & Provenance
Altdorfer, active primarily in Regensburg, was associated with the Nuremberg Little Masters. His distinctive blending of human figures with atmospheric landscapes marks The Entombment as a product of his innovative approach.
Context
Created in the early 16th century, this work reflects the common printmaking techniques of its time, such as woodcutting, which allowed for widespread dissemination of images.
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…
