Christ on the Cross with Angels

Christ on the Cross with Angels

German 15th Century

1495

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From the collection of National Gallery of Art

About this work

This is a black-and-white woodcut showing a crucifixion scene. At the center, a figure hangs on a cross with a crown of thorns. Around the cross, four angels float in the air, holding tools or pointing upward. Below, two people stand at the base: one looks sad, the other holds a small figure. A skull lies on the ground near their feet. Notice how the artist used simple lines to show emotion and drama. The angels’ wings and halos stand out clearly, even though the whole image is carved from wood. This style comes from the technique: woodcut.

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