Who painted Christ on the Cross between the Two Thieves?

Christ on the Cross between the Two Thieves was painted by German 15th Century in 1475.

Where can I see Christ on the Cross between the Two Thieves?

Christ on the Cross between the Two Thieves is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Christ on the Cross between the Two Thieves?

Christ on the Cross between the Two Thieves is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

Christ on the Cross between the Two Thieves

German 15th Century , 1475

Christ on the Cross between the Two Thieves 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. The work is a hand‑colored woodcut depicting the crucifixion scene with three figures on crosses.

About this work

Overview

The work is a hand‑colored woodcut depicting the crucifixion scene with three figures on crosses. The central figure, larger than the companions, bears a crown of thorns and outstretched arms, while the two flanking figures are smaller, dressed in blue and pink garments respectively. The composition is framed by a dark border and rests on a muted greenish ground.

Subject & Meaning

The image presents the biblical narrative of Christ’s crucifixion alongside the two thieves traditionally associated with the event. The central figure’s prominence and the crown emphasize his role as the suffering savior, while the contrasting colors of the thieves’ robes may suggest differing moral or spiritual states within the same scene.

Technique & Style

Executed as a woodcut, the design relies on bold, clean lines and flat areas of color. After printing, the image was hand‑applied with pigments of blue, pink, ochre, green, and gold, creating vivid, non‑gradient surfaces that stand out against the paper’s natural tone. The overall aesthetic is graphic and stylized, characteristic of early printmaking.

Context

Woodcut prints of religious subjects were common in the period as affordable devotional images for private worship. The use of multiple colors, applied by hand, indicates a more elaborate production than single‑color prints, suggesting the work was intended for a patron or market that valued visual richness within the constraints of print technology.