Artwork

Christ's Descent in Limbo

Christ's Descent in Limbo, by German 15th Century, paint, 1470
Christ's Descent in Limbo, by German 15th Century, paint, 1470

Christ's Descent in Limbo is a paint 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's Descent in Limbo is a Renaissance print created using the metalcut technique and hand-colored with yellow, red-brown lake, and green hues. It is held at the National Gallery of Art, Washington.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts Christ, identifiable by a banner with a cross, reaching out to three naked figures with worried expressions, while a large bird hovers nearby. Christ wears a dotted loincloth and holds the banner in his right hand.

Technique & Style

The metalcut technique was used to create the print, which was then hand-colored. The use of yellow, red-brown lake, and green colors adds depth to the scene, set against a yellow background with green leaves and red-brown details, all framed by a leafy border.

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.