Artwork
Christ on the Cross between the Two Thieves
Christ on the Cross between the Two Thieves is a print by the Renaissance artist Jean Duvet. It dates from 1561 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
This engraving shows Jesus on a cross between two thieves. The lines are sharp and detailed, not soft like a painting. His body hangs down, arms stretched wide.
Duvet made 23 engravings for a book about the Bible’s Apocalypse. Only seven full sets exist today. This print comes from one of those rare volumes.
Look up Jean Duvet (French, 1485–1561) to see more of his bold prints.
Overview
This engraving is one of 23 works by Jean Duvet illustrating the Apocalypse from the Revelation of Saint John. It is part of a rare, complete set of which only seven are known to exist.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a scene of Christ crucified between two thieves, a biblical narrative interpreted through Duvet's distinctive visual approach.
Technique & Style
Characterized by sharp, detailed lines, the work showcases Duvet's idiosyncratic style, blending Italian High Renaissance influences with a unique, ornamental, and spatially unconventional composition.
History & Provenance
Created over several years, this series marks Duvet's pinnacle achievement. The museum's copy is from one of only seven complete, surviving volumes of the original print set.
Context
Though based in provincial Langres, Duvet's work was influenced by Italian art, accessed through circulated prints, notably those by Marcantonio Raimondi.
Legacy
As one of France's first major printmakers and most original 16th-century artists, Duvet's bold and innovative prints, like this one, highlight his enduring contribution to the medium.
Artist & collection
Artist
Jean Duvet (1485 – after 1562) was a French Renaissance goldsmith and engraver, now best known for his engravings.
