Who painted Descent from the Cross?

Descent from the Cross was painted by John Baptist Jackson in 1738.

Where can I see Descent from the Cross?

Descent from the Cross is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Descent from the Cross?

Descent from the Cross is associated with Baroque.

Can I buy a print of Descent from the Cross?

Museum-quality prints of Descent from the Cross are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Descent from the Cross

John Baptist Jackson , 1738

Descent from the Cross is an ink print by the Baroque artist John Baptist Jackson. It dates from 1738 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:lower left in image: Rembrandt pinxit, alt. p. 1 lat. unc x. Extat Venetiis in domo J: Smith.; lower right in image: J: B: Jackson figuras juxta Archetypum Sculp & excudit. 1738; across bottom of block: Acceperunt ergo Corpus JESU... / ...S. Joan Cap. XIX Ver. XI. / ...Perillustri ac Praeclaro VIRO D. JOSEPHO Smith... / ...J: B: Jackson

About this work

Overview

Descent from the Cross is a chiaroscuro woodcut created by John Baptist Jackson in 1738. It is printed from four blocks in yellow, gray, and two shades of brown on laid paper.

Technique & Style

The print showcases Jackson's innovative techniques, including the use of oil-based inks and subtle overprinting to achieve a wide color range. The four-block process allowed for nuanced shading and texture, while embossing was used to highlight certain areas.

Subject & Meaning

The scene depicts the lowering of Christ's body from the cross, rendered in a dramatic and somber tone. Strong contrasts of light and dark emphasize the figures and create a sense of depth.

Context

Jackson's work was influenced by oil paintings, and his prints often featured complex, multi-colored compositions. The use of chiaroscuro and bold shadows was also characteristic of other artists of the time, such as Rembrandt.