Artwork preview

Christ on the Cross

German 15th Century

National Gallery of Art

Three individuals gather around a wooden cross. The central figure is depicted affixed to the cross, with outstretched arms bound to the crossbeam. This individual has a somber expression, closed eyes, a beard, long dark hair, and wears a cloth around the waist. A crown of thorns is placed upon their head, with marks of injury and blood visible on the body. To the left, a figure in a hooded robe holds what appears to be a book. To the right, another figure in a robe holds a book as well. At the base of the cross lies a skull and several bones on the ground. The background shows fields extending to a horizon meeting a blue sky, with trees and a small building in the distance.

Artwork Details

Date
c. 1500
Medium
woodcut, hand-colored in blue, green, lavender, yellow, brown, red, and orange on laid paper
Dimensions
2998 × 3945 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette