Artwork

Christ on the Mount of Olives

Christ on the Mount of Olives, by German 15th Century, ink, 1460
Christ on the Mount of Olives, by German 15th Century, ink, 1460

Christ on the Mount of Olives 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 Mount of Olives is a hand-colored woodcut print depicting a scene of contemplation and prayer.

Subject & Meaning

The print shows a small group of figures in a simple landscape, with a central standing figure looking upward, suggesting a moment of devotion or supplication.

Technique & Style

The image was created using the woodcut technique, where a design is carved into a wood block, then hand-colored with flat, bright hues, including orange-red, gray, and gold.

Context

This style of printmaking was common before the widespread use of other printing methods, relying on manual coloring to add depth and emotion to the scene.

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.