The Sacred Monogram

c. 1500

French 15th Century

Associated Names
French 15th Century

Artist

This is a drawing of a crucifixion scene. The central focus is a detailed portrayal of Christ on the cross with the letters "INRI" above. Surrounding the crucifix are symbolic elements including a chalice at the base collecting blood from Christ's body. Flanking the cross are large ornately decorated letters "IHS." Implements associated with the Passion such as dice, a whip, and a lance are also present. Two kneeling figures are depicted on either side of the cross, accompanied by textual banners. The image is framed by a decorative border.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.
Not on view See artworks now on view

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    woodcut with hand coloring in orange-red and gray-blue on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 28.6 × 19.9 cm (11 1/4 × 7 13/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1943.3.637

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Schreiber, no. 1821, State i/ii

Artwork history & notes

Exhibition History

1955

  • French Woodcuts, Engravings and Books of the 15th and Early 16th Centuries, The Davison Art Center, Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT, 1955.

1965

  • Fifteenth-Century Woodcuts and Metalcuts from the Collection of the National Gallery of Art, NGA, 1965-1966, no. 262, repro.

Bibliography

1926

  • Schreiber, Wilhelm Ludwig. Handbuch de Holz- und Metailschnitte des XV Jahrhunderts. 8 vols. Leipzig: Verlag Karl W. Hierseman, 1926-1930.

1965

  • Field, Richard S. Fifteenth Century Woodcuts and Metalcuts from the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.. Exh. cat. Washington: National Gallery of Art, 1965: no. 262.

Inscriptions

recto: none; verso: at lower left, in graphite: 15 F8

Wikidata ID

Q64953122

You may be interested in

Loading Results