Who painted The Descent from the Cross?

The Descent from the Cross was painted by Albrecht Dürer in 1510.

Where can I see The Descent from the Cross?

The Descent from the Cross is held by British Museum.

What movement is The Descent from the Cross?

The Descent from the Cross is associated with Northern Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of The Descent from the Cross?

Museum-quality prints of The Descent from the Cross are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

The Descent from the Cross

Albrecht Dürer , 1510

The Descent from the Cross is an ink print by the Northern Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer. It dates from 1510 and is held in the collection of the British Museum.

Inscription: Inscribed:in block, bottom left, on tablet: AD [artist's monogram]; verso, lower center, in graphite by a later hand: 627; verso, bottom left, in graphite by a later hand: 42; verso, bottom center, in graphite by a later hand: 27

About this work

Overview

Albrecht Dürer’s woodcut titled The Descent from the Cross, executed around 1510, presents a biblical episode in which the dead Christ is being lowered from the crucifix. Rendered in black‑and‑white on laid paper, the print measures the composition with a central cross and a gathering of mourners surrounding it.

Subject & Meaning

The image captures the moment after the crucifixion when the body of Jesus is removed from the upright cross. The figures surrounding the scene display varied gestures of grief and reverence, emphasizing the solemnity of the event and the contemplative response of the witnesses.

Technique & Style

Dürer employs the fine lines and cross‑hatching characteristic of his woodcut practice, achieving intricate detail in the folds of clothing and the expressions of the participants. The contrast between the darkened cross and the lighter sky creates depth, while the laid‑paper texture adds a subtle tonal variation.

History & Provenance

Created in the early sixteenth century, the print belongs to Dürer’s series of religious works produced during his mature period. Copies of the woodcut circulated among collectors of prints, contributing to the artist’s reputation for combining devotional subjects with technical mastery.

Context

The work reflects the broader Northern Renaissance interest in vivid narrative and precise observation. Dürer’s treatment of the Descent aligns with contemporary devotional practices, offering a visual aid for meditation on Christ’s passion.

Legacy

The Descent from the Cross exemplifies Dürer’s influence on subsequent printmakers, who adopted his meticulous line work and compositional balance. Its study continues to inform scholarship on the integration of theological themes within early modern graphic art.