Artwork

Christ on the Cross

Christ on the Cross, by German 15th Century, ink, 1485
Christ on the Cross, by German 15th Century, ink, 1485

Christ on the Cross is an ink print by the Renaissance artist German 15th Century. It dates from 1485 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Christ on the Cross is a woodcut print depicting the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Created using a relief printing technique, it features hand-colored elements on laid paper.

Subject & Meaning

The scene shows Jesus on the cross, flanked by Mary and John, conveying a pivotal moment in Christian narrative. The figures are rendered with expressive detail, including Christ's wounds and the halos surrounding Mary and John.

Technique & Style

The woodcut technique allowed for the mass production of the image, while hand-coloring in multiple hues added depth and emotional resonance. The use of blue, green, red, and brown colors creates a visually striking representation.

Context

This work is associated with the Renaissance, a period marked by a resurgence of interest in classical themes and techniques, as well as the development of new artistic methods like woodcut printing.

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.