Christ on the Cross with the Virgin and Saint John
1493
gouache
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1493
gouache
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This image depicts a poignant scene of Christ on the cross, flanked by the Virgin and Saint John. The figures are rendered in a somber color palette, with Christ's body bearing the wounds of crucifixion. The Virgin and Saint John stand in contemplation, their faces etched with grief. The composition is characterized by bold lines and vivid colors, with the cross looming large in the center. The surrounding landscape is sparse, with only a few subtle details visible. The use of color woodcut printing from five blocks on vellum, hand-colored with gouache, adds a sense of depth and texture to the image. For more on this artistic technique, explore the world of woodcut printing.