Open full image Pin

Christ on the Cross

German 15th Century

1490

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Renaissance Renaissance Religious

Dominant colour

Christ on the Cross is a 1490 ink by German 15th Century, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: German 15th Century
When & what style?: 1490 · Renaissance
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

The painting depicts a scene of Jesus Christ on the cross, flanked by two figures. The central figure, Jesus, is shown with his arms outstretched and his body bearing the marks of crucifixion. The two figures on either side are dressed in robes and appear to be in a state of mourning or contemplation. In the foreground, a skull and bones are visible, symbolizing mortality and the sacrifice of Jesus. The overall mood of the painting is one of somberness and reverence. This painting is a woodcut on vellum, created by a German artist in the 15th century. To learn more about the technique of woodcut, explore the works of artists who have used this medium.