Artwork

Christ on the Cross with Angels

Christ on the Cross with Angels, by German 15th Century, ink, 1490
Christ on the Cross with Angels, by German 15th Century, ink, 1490

Christ on the Cross with Angels is an ink print by the Renaissance artist German 15th Century. It dates from 1490 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Christ on the Cross with Angels is a woodcut print on vellum depicting a crucifixion scene. The artwork features a central figure on the cross surrounded by angels and figures on the ground.

Subject & Meaning

The scene represents the Crucifixion, with the inscription 'INRI' above the cross referencing the Latin phrase 'Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum'. Angels holding tools associated with the Passion surround Christ, while a skull on the ground symbolizes mortality.

Technique & Style

The print is created using the woodcut technique, where the design is carved into a wood block, resulting in sharp, simple lines. The image is rendered in black ink without shading or color, characteristic of this method.

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.