Christ on the Cross between the Virgin and Saint John

Gabriel Zehender

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of a crucifixion scene with two figures standing beside the cross. The figure on the cross has outstretched arms nailed to the horizontal beam. The two figures flanking the cross wear robes with elaborate folds. The background shows a landscape with hills, trees, and distant buildings. The cross is mounted on a mound, with symbolism at the base in the form of a skull and bones. The sky is filled with rolling clouds. The style is typical of the Northern Renaissance printmaking tradition.