Christ Raised on the Cross
1507
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From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1507
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
In this woodcut, a dramatic scene unfolds as Christ is raised onto the cross. The central figure of Christ is prominently displayed, with his arms outstretched and his body contorted in a powerful pose. Surrounding him are several figures, including a group of men who appear to be lifting the cross into place. The background of the image is sparse, with only a few hints of landscape visible behind the central figures. One interesting detail in the image is the use of bold lines and shading to create a sense of depth and texture. The artist has used a range of techniques to convey the emotions and drama of the scene, from the anguished expression on Christ's face to the strained muscles of the men lifting the cross. To learn more about the artist behind this powerful image, explore the work of Baldung Grien, Hans.