Artwork
Christ Carrying the Cross
Christ Carrying the Cross is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Master AG. It dates from 1472 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Christ Carrying the Cross is a 1472 engraving by Master AG, depicting a pivotal moment in Christian iconography.
Subject & Meaning
The engraving portrays Jesus Christ bowed under the weight of a wooden cross, surrounded by a crowd urging him forward. His facial expression, rendered with deeply etched lines, conveys exhaustion and strain.
Technique & Style
Master AG employed cross-hatching, a technique involving tiny dots carved into the metal plate, to achieve sharp, realistic shading that enhances the scene's dramatic depth.
History & Provenance
Created in 1472, the engraving's current location or full ownership history is not specified here, though similar works can be found at institutions like the National Gallery of Art, Washington.
Context
This work reflects the religious themes prevalent in 15th-century European art, utilizing emerging printmaking techniques to disseminate biblical narratives to a broader audience.
Artist & collection
