1515
ink
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Dominant colour
Christ on the Cross is a 1515 ink by Albrecht Altdorfer, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This engraving shows a crucifixion scene with Jesus on the cross, arms spread wide. Below him stand two figures: one woman with hands clasped, looking up, and a man with his head tilted back, also gazing upward. The sky is dark with small sunbursts around Jesus’ head, and angels hover nearby, some holding instruments of the Passion. The artist used fine lines and shading to create depth, focusing on the emotional weight of the moment. This is an engraving, meaning it was etched into a metal plate and printed—notice how the lines vary in thickness to show light and shadow. Next, look up engraving to see how artists like this one used this technique to tell powerful stories.
Albrecht Altdorfer (c. 1480 – 12 February 1538) was a German painter, engraver and architect of the Renaissance working in Regensburg. Along with Lucas Cranach the Elder and Wolf Huber he is regarded to be the main…
See the richer artist page
