Artwork

Christ on the Cross

Christ on the Cross, by German 15th Century, ink, 1460
Christ on the Cross, by German 15th Century, ink, 1460

Christ on the Cross 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 on the Cross is a hand-colored woodcut print on laid paper, featuring a crucified figure flanked by two women.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts the crucifixion of Christ, with two haloed women, likely the Virgin Mary and Mary Magdalene, standing beside him. The somber atmosphere invites contemplation on the scene.

Technique & Style

The woodcut is colored with blue, orange, yellow, green, rose, and gray hues, and features tarnished silver leaf. The dark background and subtle green ground create a sense of depth.

Context

The print is associated with the Renaissance period, a time of significant artistic innovation and development in Europe.

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.