Artwork
Head of Christ
Head of Christ is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Sebald Beham. It dates from 1520 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Head of Christ is an engraving created by Sebald Beham, a German printmaker, around 1520. It exemplifies his skill in producing small, detailed prints characteristic of the 'Little Masters'.
Subject & Meaning
The engraving presents a close-up view of Jesus Christ's face, adorned with a crown of thorns. His features are framed by long, wavy hair and a neatly trimmed beard, set against a dark gray background.
Technique & Style
Beham employed cross-hatching to achieve detailed textures and shading, layering parallel lines to create a range of tones and depths. This technique showcases his precision and craftsmanship within the German Renaissance printmaking tradition.
Artist & collection
Artist
Sebald Beham (1500–1550) was a German painter and printmaker, mainly known for his very small engravings.
