Artwork

Christ on the Cross

Christ on the Cross, by German 15th Century, ink, 1475
Christ on the Cross, by German 15th Century, ink, 1475

Christ on the Cross is an ink print by the Renaissance artist German 15th Century. It dates from 1475 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Christ on the Cross is a hand-colored woodcut print on laid paper, featuring a crucifixion scene with three main figures.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts Christ on the cross, flanked by two serious onlookers, one in blue and the other in red and yellow robes, set against a simple background with a green ground and blue sky.

Technique & Style

The image was created using woodcut technique, with hand-applied colors including blue, red, yellow, green, gold, orange, and tarnished silver or gold alloy leaf, resulting in a vibrant yet worn appearance.

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.