Artwork
Christ on the Cross with the Virgin and Saint John
Christ on the Cross with the Virgin and Saint John is a gouache print by the Renaissance artist Augsburg 15th Century. It dates from 1493 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. The print presents the crucifixion of Christ, accompanied by the Virgin Mary and Saint John the Evangelist.
About this work
Overview
Executed as a color woodcut from five separate blocks, the image is printed on vellum and finished with hand‑applied gouache.
The print presents the crucifixion of Christ, accompanied by the Virgin Mary and Saint John the Evangelist. Executed as a color woodcut from five separate blocks, the image is printed on vellum and finished with hand‑applied gouache. The central cross dominates the composition, while the surrounding space remains largely empty, focusing attention on the three figures and their expressions of sorrow.
Subject & Meaning
Christ is shown on the cross with visible wounds, embodying the moment of sacrifice. The Virgin and John stand on either side, their faces marked by grief and contemplation, reflecting traditional devotional themes of mourning and intercession.
Technique & Style
The work employs a multi‑block woodcut process, allowing distinct color areas to be printed sequentially. Bold linear contours define the figures, while the limited palette of muted tones, enhanced by hand‑applied gouache, creates a sense of depth on the smooth vellum surface.
History & Provenance
The piece belongs to the tradition of early modern European religious prints, where color woodcuts were used to disseminate devotional imagery. Specific details of its creation date, artist, or collection history are not provided in the source material.
Context
Printed works of this type served both liturgical and private devotional purposes, offering an accessible visual narrative of the Passion. The sparse landscape and emphasis on the central figures align with contemporary approaches that prioritized spiritual focus over elaborate background detail.
Artist & collection
Artist
This woodcut from the late 1400s shows Christ nailed to the cross, with the Virgin Mary and Saint John standing below.
Christ on the Cross with the Virgin and Saint John
Christ on the Cross with the Virgin and Saint John
Christ on the Cross between Mary and John
Christ on the Cross Between the Virgin and Saint John
Christ on the Cross Between the Virgin and Saint John
Christ on the Cross with the Virgin and Saint John the Evangelist
Christ on the Cross Between the Virgin and Saint John
