Artwork
Christ's Descent in Limbo

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
Artist
This 15th-century German artist carved vivid religious scenes into metal and wood, then hand-painted them in bright, symbolic colors.






![Studies for Six Figures (sheet from a model book) [recto], by German 15th Century](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/german-15th-century--studies-for-six-figures-sheet-from-a-model-book-recto--4837429e0755bc3f-w320.webp)












