Artwork
Christ in Limbo

Christ in Limbo is an ink print by the Northern Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer. It dates from 1512 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Christ in Limbo is an engraving on laid paper created by Albrecht Dürer in 1512.
Subject & Meaning
The engraving depicts Jesus Christ rescuing Adam and Eve from their tombs, symbolizing the Harrowing of Hell. Christ stands on a broken door, holding a white flag, as angels observe from the shadows.
Technique & Style
Dürer's use of fine lines creates deep shadows, giving the engraving a three-dimensional appearance. The intricate hatching around figures like Adam adds to the overall sense of depth and texture.
History & Provenance
The engraving is held in the National Gallery of Art, Washington.
Artist & collection
Artist
Albrecht Dürer spent his life in Nuremberg, a busy German city where artists traded prints like currency.
![Madonna and Child [obverse], by Albrecht Dürer](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/albrecht-durer--madonna-and-child-obverse--d7b8ebf05d22ebe5-w320.webp)


![Lot and His Daughters [reverse], by Albrecht Dürer](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/albrecht-durer--lot-and-his-daughters-reverse--b4ebf9b282faa17a-w320.webp)









