Christ Nailed to the Cross

Albrecht Altdorfer

1512

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Renaissance Renaissance Religious

About this work

This sketch shows a chaotic scene around a cross. Jesus is nailed to it, his body slumped forward. Around him, soldiers in armor stand with spears, while a crowd of people—some kneeling, some reaching up—fills the background. The lines are scratchy and layered, giving everything a rough, urgent feel. Notice how the artist used quick, overlapping strokes to show movement and emotion. The paper is a warm pinkish-brown, and the ink looks almost like a shadow play. If you like this style, look up cross-hatching next.