Artwork

The Descent from the Cross

The Descent from the Cross, by German 15th Century, paint, 1470
The Descent from the Cross, by German 15th Century, paint, 1470

The Descent from the Cross 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

The Descent from the Cross is a print created using the metalcut technique and hand-colored with subdued hues. It depicts a dramatic scene with multiple figures.

Subject & Meaning

The image shows a group of people carrying a body wrapped in cloth, suggesting a moment of mourning or ritual. The scene is likely a representation of the Descent from the Cross, a biblical event.

Technique & Style

The print features stiff, angular figures with sharp edges and flat colors, characteristic of the metalcut technique. The use of gold patterns, halos, and hand-coloring adds to the overall visual intensity.

Context

The style of this print is associated with the Renaissance period, a time of cultural and artistic transformation in Europe.

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.