The Celestial Ladder of Saint Bonaventura

Lucas Cranach the Elder

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of a religious scene with intricate symbolic imagery. The artwork features a central figure at the top surrounded by a circular diagram containing various religious figures and symbols. Multiple texts, probably in German or Latin, are interwoven throughout the illustration. To the left and right of the central image, groups of people appear to be gathered. The intricate line work and use of hatching provide depth and texture. The upper part of the drawing features cherubs and angelic figures among clouds.