Artwork

Christ Child in the Sacred Heart

Christ Child in the Sacred Heart, by German 15th Century, ink, 1460
Christ Child in the Sacred Heart, by German 15th Century, ink, 1460

Christ Child in the Sacred Heart is an ink print by the Renaissance artist German 15th Century. It dates from 1460 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Christ Child in the Sacred Heart is a woodcut print, hand-colored with a vibrant palette, depicting the Christ Child in a symbolic scene.

Subject & Meaning

The Christ Child, crowned and seated on a red cloth, holds a heart—a symbol of love and devotion. Outstretched hands towards the child imply reverence or offering.

Technique & Style

Executed as a woodcut in warm black ink, the print features bold, flat colors (red lake, blue, green, yellow, and gold) applied by hand, characteristic of traditional printmaking techniques of its time.

Context

The artwork's style and method reflect common printmaking practices of its era, blending black line work with bright, hand-colored elements for visual appeal.

Artist & collection

Portrait of German 15th Century

Artist

German 15th Century

This 15th-century German artist carved vivid religious scenes into metal and wood, then hand-painted them in bright, symbolic colors.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.