Who painted Christ Child in the Sacred Heart?

Christ Child in the Sacred Heart was painted by German 15th Century in 1478.

Where can I see Christ Child in the Sacred Heart?

Christ Child in the Sacred Heart is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Christ Child in the Sacred Heart?

Christ Child in the Sacred Heart is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

Christ Child in the Sacred Heart

German 15th Century , 1478

Christ Child in the Sacred Heart is an ink print by the Renaissance artist German 15th Century. It dates from 1478 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Christ Child in the Sacred Heart is a hand‑colored woodcut print. The image presents a vivid, compact composition in which a red heart dominates the center, enclosing a small infant with dark hair. The child clutches a green object, while four hands with blue cuffs flank the heart. A modest green‑and‑white element crowns the scene, set against an off‑white field edged in brown.

Subject & Meaning

The work visualizes the theological concept of the Sacred Heart, integrating the infant Christ within the emblematic heart to signify divine love and incarnation. The surrounding hands suggest intercession or devotion, framing the central motif as an object of veneration.

Technique & Style

Executed as a woodcut, the image relies on bold, flat areas of color applied by hand using red lake, vermilion, green, blue, yellow, and gold. The carving produces stark outlines, while the limited palette and uniform washes create a straightforward, graphic aesthetic characteristic of early printmaking.

History & Provenance

The print originates from the Renaissance period, a time when devotional imagery was frequently reproduced for private contemplation. Specific details of its creation, such as the artist’s identity or original patron, are not recorded in the available sources.

Context

During the Renaissance, the Sacred Heart motif gained popularity as a symbol of Christ’s compassionate love. Woodcut prints like this one allowed widespread distribution of such iconography, reaching audiences beyond the confines of painted altarpieces.

Legacy

The piece exemplifies the early use of color in woodcut prints, illustrating how printmakers combined traditional carving techniques with hand‑applied pigments to convey religious themes with immediacy and visual impact.