Who painted The Crucifixion?

The Crucifixion was painted by German 15th Century in 1470.

Where can I see The Crucifixion?

The Crucifixion is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Crucifixion?

The Crucifixion is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

The Crucifixion

German 15th Century , 1470

The Crucifixion 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. The work is a hand‑colored metalcut print depicting a crucifixion scene.

About this work

Overview

The work is a hand‑colored metalcut print depicting a crucifixion scene. Central to the composition is a slender figure on a cross, crowned with thorns. To the left, two robed women stand with clasped hands, gazing upward, while on the right two armored soldiers observe, one holding a spear. A dark sky dotted with stars forms the background.

Subject & Meaning

The image presents the biblical moment of the crucifixion, emphasizing the contrast between the suffering of the central figure and the passive or hostile presence of surrounding figures. The women’s prayerful posture suggests mourning, whereas the soldiers’ detached stance underscores the event’s public and political dimensions.

Technique & Style

Executed with a metalcut process, the artist incised lines into a metal plate and then applied hand‑applied pigments in green, red lake, and yellow. The coloration is vivid though uneven, showing areas of fading. The design is characterized by a rough, direct line work that isolates essential forms and conveys emotional intensity without elaborate detail.

History & Provenance

The print belongs to the Renaissance period, a time when printmaking techniques such as woodcut and metalcut were expanding. Its hand‑coloring reflects the transitional practices of the era, where prints were often enhanced to increase visual impact for devotional use.

Context

During the Renaissance, religious imagery served both liturgical and private devotional functions. Prints like this one allowed wider dissemination of biblical narratives, reaching audiences beyond the reach of painted altarpieces, and contributed to the growing visual culture of the period.