Who painted Christ on the Cross with Angels?

Christ on the Cross with Angels was painted by German 15th Century in 1495.

Where can I see Christ on the Cross with Angels?

Christ on the Cross with Angels is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Christ on the Cross with Angels?

Christ on the Cross with Angels is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

Christ on the Cross with Angels

German 15th Century , 1495

Christ on the Cross with Angels is an ink print by the Renaissance artist German 15th Century. It dates from 1495 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Christ on the Cross with Angels is a black‑and‑white woodcut that depicts the crucifixion. The central figure of Christ hangs on a cross, crowned with thorns, while four angels hover around the scene. At the foot of the cross two mourners are shown, one grieving and the other cradling a small figure, and a skull rests on the ground nearby.

Subject & Meaning

The composition combines the traditional Passion narrative with a celestial presence, as the angels—identified by their wings and halos—hold instruments or gesture upward, suggesting intercession and divine witness. The mourners and the skull reinforce themes of human sorrow and mortality that accompany the crucifixion.

Technique & Style

Executed as a woodcut, the image relies on stark contrasts created by carved lines and uninked spaces. The artist employs simple, bold contours to delineate figures, allowing the halos and wings to stand out sharply against the dark background. This reduction of detail heightens the emotional intensity of the scene.

History & Provenance

The work is known primarily as a print; specific details about its creation date, workshop, or ownership history have not been recorded in the available sources.