Artwork

Christ on the Cross

Christ on the Cross, by German 15th Century, ink, 1470
Christ on the Cross, by German 15th Century, ink, 1470

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

Subject & Meaning

The print shows Christ on the cross, flanked by a woman, likely the Virgin Mary, and another figure, possibly John the Evangelist, both with halos. The simple composition emphasizes the symbolic significance of the figures.

Technique & Style

The image features flat, stylized figures with bold outlines and bright colors, characteristic of early printed art. The woodcut technique, involving carving a design into wood and transferring it to paper, allows for bold lines and flat areas of color.

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.