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.

About this work

Overview

This metalcut print depicts the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, rendered in a hand‑colored palette of yellow, red‑brown lake and green. The central figure is shown on the cross, haloed and clothed only in a loincloth, his arms outstretched. Below, four onlookers in robes and headgear flank the scene, one grasping a sword. The composition is set against a light beige field that isolates the figures.

Subject & Meaning

The work presents the biblical moment of Christ’s execution, emphasizing his divine status through the halo and the stark, open landscape. The surrounding figures—two on each side—appear to be witnesses, possibly representing the faithful or mourners, their upward gazes directing attention to the sacrifice. The inclusion of a sword may allude to the violent context of the Passion.

Technique & Style

Executed as a metalcut, the image was incised into a metal plate, producing bold, clean lines that define the forms.

Executed as a metalcut, the image was incised into a metal plate, producing bold, clean lines that define the forms. After printing, the work was hand‑colored with pigments: vivid yellow, a deep red‑brown lake and touches of green, which heighten the visual contrast against the subdued beige background. The overall aesthetic is straightforward and graphic, reflecting a restrained approach to religious imagery.

Context

While the piece is not directly tied to a specific workshop, its use of metalcut and hand‑coloring aligns with practices common in the late medieval to early Renaissance period, when such prints served devotional purposes and circulated among lay audiences. The simplified composition and emphasis on narrative clarity echo broader trends in religious art that sought to make sacred stories accessible.