Artwork

Christ with Three of His Apostles

Christ with Three of His Apostles, by German 16th Century, ink, 1550
Christ with Three of His Apostles, by German 16th Century, ink, 1550

Christ with Three of His Apostles is an ink print by the Renaissance artist German 16th Century. It dates from 1550 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

This engraving depicts a scene of five men in a simple outdoor landscape, with a central bearded figure gesturing upward, surrounded by four onlookers. A village on a hill and a cloudy sky complete the composition.

Subject & Meaning

The central figure, identified by his beard and robes, is Christ. He is shown in a moment of emphasis or revelation, indicated by his upward gesture, while three of his apostles observe him intently.

Technique & Style

The engraving features dark, precise lines that create shading and texture, particularly in the figures' clothing and the natural elements. The artist employed cross-hatching, a technique of tiny parallel lines, to achieve depth and dimensionality without the use of color.

Context

The use of cross-hatching in this piece reflects a common practice in printmaking of the time, allowing for detailed, high-contrast images suitable for mass reproduction.

Artist & collection

Portrait of German 16th Century

Artist

German 16th Century

A German artist from the late 1500s drew lively scenes of knights clashing in parades and mock battles.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.