Artwork preview

Christ on the Cross Between the Virgin and Saint John

Albrecht Dürer

National Gallery of Art

The image displays three figures. The central figure is on a cross, with arms outstretched and head slightly tilted to the right. This person has long, dark hair, a beard, a crown of thorns, and minimal clothing. The figures on either side are seen in three-quarter views. The figure on the left is wearing a blue cloak over a pink robe and head covering, with a pale complexion and looking downward. The figure on the right is wrapped in a pink draped garment with a green undergarment visible, curly blond hair, and looking upwards. Both side figures have halos. In the background, there is a landscape with hills, buildings, clouds in the sky, and at the base of the cross, there are bones and a skull.

Artwork Details

Date
1493
Medium
woodcut on laid paper, hand-colored with watercolor and gouache and gold leaf
Dimensions
3111 × 4920 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette