Christ in Limbo

c. 1480

Martin Schongauer

Associated Names
Martin Schongauer

Artist, German, c. 1450 - 1491

This is a drawing of a religious scene. A figure holds a cross-staff, surrounded by various beings, some of which appear demonic. The central figure is in a graceful pose, stepping on a figure with animalistic features. The figure holds a cross-topped staff and is clothed in flowing robes. Behind this figure, several nude individuals with expressions of pleading or surprise are reaching towards the central figure. A chaotic scene unfolds above them, as a devilish creature with many horns raises what seems to be a weapon. The drawing is detailed, with intricate linework capturing fabric folds, expressions, and movement. Shadows and cross-hatching add depth. The composition suggests a moment of salvation or confrontation, rendered in a style characteristic of Renaissance religious art.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Accession Number

    1943.3.45

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Hollstein, no. 29, State only


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(Charles Sessler, Philadelphia); purchased by Lessing J. Rosenwald [1891-1979], 1928; gift to NGA, 1943.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1967

  • Fifteenth Century Engravings of Northern Europe from the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., NGA, 1967-1968, no. 61, repro.

Bibliography

1908

  • Lehrs, Max. Geschichte und kritischer Katalog des deutschen, niederlandischen und franzosischen Kupferstichs im XV. Jahrhundert. 9 vols. and 1 plate vol. Vienna: Gesellschaft fur vervielfaltigende Kunst, 1908-1934.

1949

  • Hollstein, F.W.H. et al. German engravings, etchings and woodcuts ca. 1400-1700. 8 vols. Amsterdam: Menno Hertzberger, 1954-1868. Dutch and Flemish etchings, engravings and woodcuts, ca. 1450-1700. Vols. I-XV, XVIII, XIX. Amsterdam: Menno Hertzberge

1967

  • Shestack, Alan. Fifteenth Century Engravings of Northern Europe from the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.. Exh. cat. Washington: National Gallery of Art, 1967: no. 61.

Wikidata ID

Q64960233

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