Artwork
Pietà

Pietà is a print by the Renaissance artist German 15th Century. It dates from 1480 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
This print, titled Pietà, is an example of early printed art created using the paste print technique. The image is worn and aged, with a faded red and black color scheme.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a religious scene featuring a group of figures, likely representing a Pietà, a traditional Christian subject showing the Virgin Mary mourning over the body of Christ.
Technique & Style
The image employs chiaroscuro, a technique that uses strong contrasts between light and dark to create a simple yet striking visual pattern. The dark lines stand out against the red background, defining the figures.
History & Provenance
The print shows signs of aging, including cracks and fading, indicating its age and historical significance as an early example of printed art.
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)











![Saint Catherine [verso], by German 15th Century](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/german-15th-century--saint-catherine-verso--5db2040b17f4b08f-w320.webp)
