Artwork

Resurrection of Christ

Resurrection of Christ, by Unknown, 1404
Resurrection of Christ, by Unknown, 1404

Resurrection of Christ is a print by the Renaissance artist Unknown. It dates from 1404 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

This oval print depicts a pivotal religious moment: the Resurrection of Christ. The composition features a bearded Christ rising from a tomb, with one hand raised in benediction, and a kneeling female figure below, gazing up with clasped hands.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is the Resurrection of Christ, a central Christian theme. The kneeling woman, likely a representation of a mourning figure or a symbol of faith, emphasizes the emotional and spiritual impact of the event.

Technique & Style

The print showcases a style prioritizing narrative over realism, characteristic of pre-Renaissance art. Techniques include carved surface details (rough textures for rocks and cloth folds), deep shadows, and simple yet dramatic lines.

Context

The artistic choices, such as the woman's head covering and the tomb's rough design, suggest a creation period before the full flowering of Renaissance realism, which would later emphasize more naturalistic and detailed representations.

Legacy

This work illustrates the stylistic precursor to the Renaissance. Viewing the 'Renaissance' entry alongside this piece highlights the significant shift in artistic priorities towards realism and naturalism that defined the subsequent art historical period.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known

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