Who painted Descent from the Cross?

Descent from the Cross was painted by Unknown in 1538.

Where can I see Descent from the Cross?

Descent from the Cross is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Descent from the Cross?

Descent from the Cross is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

Descent from the Cross

Unknown , 1538

Descent from the Cross is an ink drawing by the Renaissance artist Unknown. It dates from 1538 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The work titled Descent from the Cross is a drawing executed with pen and brown ink, enhanced by a brown wash applied to laid paper. The composition depicts the biblical scene of Christ being removed from the crucifixion cross, rendered in a monochromatic palette that emphasizes line and tonal variation.

Technique & Style

The artist employed fine pen work to delineate the figures and architectural elements, while a brown wash adds depth and atmospheric shading across the laid paper surface. The use of laid paper, with its characteristic ribbed texture, contributes subtle visual interest, and the limited color range focuses attention on the narrative gesture and form.