1612
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
The Crucifixion is a 1612 ink by Antonio Tempesta, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This print shows a crowded scene of the crucifixion. At the center, a figure hangs on a cross with arms spread wide, surrounded by a mix of soldiers, mourners, and onlookers. The background is packed with tiny figures—some kneeling, some watching, others pointing or gesturing. The lines are sharp and busy, with dramatic shadows and swirling movement. Notice how the artist uses light and dark to create depth, making the figures on the cross stand out against the chaos below. The text at the top reads "INRI," a common symbol in crucifixion scenes. If you like this, look up etching to see how artists like Tempesta made prints like this.
Antonio Tempesta, also called il Tempestino (1555 – 5 August 1630), was an Italian painter and engraver, whose art acted as a point of connection between Baroque Rome and the culture of Antwerp.
See the richer artist page
