Artwork
Christ on the Cross
Christ on the Cross is a print by the Renaissance artist Unknown. It dates from 1404 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 1925.986
- Credit line
- Gift of The Print Club of Cleveland
About this work
Overview
Christ on the Cross is a print depicting a pivotal Christian scene. The composition features a crucified figure, slightly tilted, accompanied by two onlookers dressed in blue and green robes, gazing upwards. The setting includes a skull and bones on the ground.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is the Crucifixion of Christ, a central event in Christian theology. The inclusion of a skull and bones at the base of the cross may symbolize the skull of Adam, linking Christ's sacrifice to the redemption of humanity.
Technique & Style
The print exhibits characteristics common in early Renaissance art, notably flat colors, absence of shadows, and lack of depth. Figures are rendered in a stiff, simplistic manner, reminiscent of woodcut techniques.
Context
Created during the early Renaissance, this work reflects the period's nascent emphasis on human anatomy and perspective, marking a transitional phase in artistic development.
Artist & collection
