Artwork
The Crowning with Thorns
The Crowning with Thorns is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Israhel van Meckenem. It dates from 1480 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
The Crowning with Thorns is an engraving created by Israhel van Meckenem, a German printmaker and goldsmith, around 1480.
Subject & Meaning
The engraving depicts the biblical scene of Christ's mock coronation, where Jesus is surrounded by several men, one holding a crown of thorns and another striking him, set against a backdrop of arched windows and a tiled floor.
Technique & Style
The engraving showcases Meckenem's skillful use of cross-hatching techniques, creating a sense of depth and texture that draws attention to the central figures, and features a dog in the foreground, adding to the scene's realism.
History & Provenance
Meckenem was a prolific engraver, producing over 620 prints, many of which were adaptations of other works, and was active from 1465 to 1503, significantly contributing to early Northern European printmaking.
Artist & collection
Artist
Israhel van Meckenem (c. 1445 – 10 November 1503), also known as Israhel van Meckenem the Younger, was a German printmaker and goldsmith, perhaps of a Dutch family origin. He was the most prolific engraver of the…
