Christ Descending into Hell

c. 1513

Albrecht Altdorfer

Associated Names
Albrecht Altdorfer

Artist, German, 1480 or before - 1538

This is a drawing featuring a figure standing in a dramatic setting. The figure is emitting light from their head. A winged creature is descending from above, holding an object. The background is intricately shaded and lined, capturing a sense of depth and movement. The style is reminiscent of Renaissance woodcut prints.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    woodcut on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    sheet (trimmed to block): 7.2 × 4.8 cm (2 13/16 × 1 7/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1943.3.359

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    New Hollstein, no. w. 34

  • Series Title

    The Fall and Redemption of Man

Artwork history & notes

Bibliography

1963

  • Winzinger, Franz. Albrecht Altdorfer, Graphik: Holzschnitte, Kupferstiche, Radierungen. Munich: R.Piper and Co., 1963, no. 59.

1996

  • The New Hollstein German Engravings, Etchings and Woodcuts, 1400-1700. (Albrecht Aldorfer, Ursula Mielke, author). Rotterdam: Sound & Vision Interactive, 1996-, no. w. 34.

Wikidata ID

Q64952490

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