1512
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Christ Crowned with Thorns is a 1512 ink by Lucas Cranach the Elder, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This woodcut shows a chaotic scene with many figures tangled together. In the center, a man with a crown of thorns stands out, surrounded by others who seem to be mocking or attacking him. The background has a building with arched windows, and the whole image is made of sharp black lines on a light background. Notice how the artist used simple shapes and strong lines to pack in lots of action. The scene feels crowded but still clear, which was a common way to tell dramatic stories in this style. Look up woodcut next to see how this printing method worked.
Lucas Cranach the Elder was a German Renaissance painter and printmaker in woodcut and engraving.
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