1500
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Dominant colour
Christ as the Man of Sorrows is a 1500 ink by French 15th Century, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This box lid shows a painted scene of a bare-chested man with a crown of thorns, standing between two smaller figures. The colors are bright but faded—reds, golds, and dark greens—with gold leaf outlining the shapes. The wood around the painting looks worn, and the whole thing is attached to an old, locked wooden box. The central figure is holding three nails, suggesting a connection to a well-known story. The word "SALVATOR" is written above his head, hinting at his identity. Look up woodcut to see how this image was made.
This artist hid their best work inside old travel trunks. They glued vivid woodcuts into the lids of wooden boxes meant to be carried on horseback, like secret postcards from God. If you’ve ever pried open a cracked lid…
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