Descent from the Cross

John Baptist Jackson

1738

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Baroque 18th Century Religious crucifixion of jesus

About this work

This woodcut shows a dark scene. A man’s body hangs limp as others lower him from a cross. The background is almost black. Light falls on the group below. The artist used four woodblocks to print this. Different ink colors make shadows and faces stand out. It feels dramatic but not busy. Look for the same bold shadows in Rembrandt’s prints.