Christ on the Mount of Olives
1743
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1743
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This print shows a dramatic scene of Christ kneeling in prayer, surrounded by swirling branches and clouds. His body is twisted in anguish, with one arm raised toward the sky. In the background, a small village with spires glows faintly, while dark, tangled plants frame the scene. The artist used only two tones—light lines against a dark brown background—to create depth. This simple contrast makes the movement feel intense. Want to see more? Check out woodcut to learn how this printing method works.