Artwork
The Descent from the Cross
The Descent from the Cross is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Orazio de Santis. It dates from 1572 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Orazio de Santis’s 1572 engraving titled *The Descent from the Cross* presents a dramatic moment from the Passion narrative. Executed on laid paper, the monochrome work is part of the National Gallery of Art’s collection in Washington, D.C., where it is displayed as an example of late‑Renaissance printmaking.
Subject & Meaning
The image captures the moment when Christ’s lifeless body is being lowered from the cross. A woman cradles his head, another supports his legs, while a child reaches toward the figure, creating a sense of communal sorrow and reverence. Peripheral faces glimpse the scene through a curtain, emphasizing both intimacy and the broader witness of the event.
Technique & Style
De Santis employs precise, incised lines to delineate musculature, drapery, and the tension of the figures. The stark contrast of black ink on the laid paper surface highlights texture and depth, reflecting the conventional engraving approach of the period, which favored clear outlines and meticulous detail to convey narrative drama.
History & Provenance
Created in 1572, the print has remained in the public domain of European art collections before entering the National Gallery of Art’s holdings. Its provenance traces a typical path for Renaissance prints, moving from private collectors to institutional acquisition, where it now serves as a reference for scholars studying print culture of the late sixteenth century.
Artist & collection
