Artwork

Christ Crowned with Thorns

Christ Crowned with Thorns, by German 15th Century, paint, 1470
Christ Crowned with Thorns, by German 15th Century, paint, 1470

Christ Crowned with Thorns is a paint print by the Renaissance artist German 15th Century. It dates from 1470 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Christ Crowned with Thorns is a hand-colored print created using the metalcut technique. The image depicts a scene with four figures, dominated by a central seated figure wearing a crown of thorns.

Subject & Meaning

The central figure is likely Christ, shown being mocked or tormented, as indicated by the crown of thorns. The surrounding figures may represent those involved in his mistreatment, with one holding a staff and the other an unidentified object.

Technique & Style

The print's metalcut technique yields sharp lines, while hand-coloring in yellow, red-brown lake, and green adds flat, bright hues. The resulting image has a simple, graphic quality, with a fence-like border and basic trees in the background.

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.