Artwork

Christ Carrying the Cross

Christ Carrying the Cross, by Augustin Hirschvogel, ink, 1547
Christ Carrying the Cross, by Augustin Hirschvogel, ink, 1547

Christ Carrying the Cross is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Augustin Hirschvogel. It dates from 1547 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

This technique allowed artists to create many copies of their work.

This painting shows Jesus carrying a large cross.
He's walking alone, looking down.
The artist used simple lines to convey a lot of emotion.

The etching is interesting because it's small and detailed.
It was made in 1547, a time when etchings were becoming popular.
This technique allowed artists to create many copies of their work.

You can learn more about this technique by looking into "etching".

Overview

Christ Carrying the Cross is a 1547 etching by Augustin Hirschvogel, a German artist known for his work in multiple fields including mathematics and cartography.

Subject & Meaning

The etching depicts Jesus alone, carrying a large cross and gazing downward, conveying emotional depth through simple lines.

Technique & Style

Hirschvogel's use of etching allowed for detailed, reproducible works, capitalizing on a technique gaining popularity at the time. His style is associated with the Danube School, known for landscape etchings.

Context

Created during a period when etching was becoming a favored medium, Christ Carrying the Cross reflects the artistic innovations of its time.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Augustin Hirschvogel

Artist

Augustin Hirschvogel

Augustin Hirschvogel (1503 – February 1553) was a German artist, mathematician, and cartographer known primarily for his etchings.

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