Raising the Cross
1490
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1490
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Raising the Cross is a 1490 ink by German 15th Century, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This painting depicts a group of people working together to raise a large cross. The cross is positioned diagonally, with one end resting on the ground and the other end being lifted by the group. The figures are dressed in simple clothing, with some wearing hats and others having their heads uncovered. The scene is set against a backdrop of green grass and a blue sky with white clouds. The painting's use of bold lines and vibrant colors creates a sense of energy and movement, drawing the viewer's attention to the central action of raising the cross. The figures' facial expressions convey a sense of determination and effort, emphasizing the importance of their task. To learn more about the techniques used in this painting, explore the art of woodcut.
This 15th-century German artist carved vivid religious scenes into metal and wood, then hand-painted them in bright, symbolic colors.
See the richer artist page