Artwork
Christ with Three of His Apostles

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



![Abraham Entertaining the Angels [verso], by German 16th Century](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/german-16th-century--abraham-entertaining-the-angels-verso--69d1b25f4eba0a53-w320.webp)






![Christ Walking on the Water [second plate], by Jacques Callot](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/jacques-callot--christ-walking-on-the-water-second-plate--2069f3bfe4cb2126-w320.webp)





![Christ Walking on the Water [first plate], by Jacques Callot](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/jacques-callot--christ-walking-on-the-water-first-plate--9739bdd1ccf996c8-w320.webp)
