Christ on the Cross

c. 1513

Albrecht Altdorfer

Associated Names
Albrecht Altdorfer

Artist, German, 1480 or before - 1538

This is a drawing of a crucifixion scene. The image depicts a central figure who is crucified on a wooden cross, with a crown of thorns on their head and a radiant halo of light emanating from behind. Below the cross, there are figures engaged in expressions of mourning, some kneeling, others bent over in despair. The scene takes place outdoors, with sparse trees and several figures in the background, some of whom appear to be carrying spears. The drawing is rendered in a woodcut style, emphasizing bold lines and high contrast between the black ink and the white background.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    woodcut on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of W.G. Russell Allen

  • Dimensions

    block: 7.2 × 4.7 cm (2 13/16 × 1 7/8 in.)
    sheet: 8 × 5.6 cm (3 1/8 × 2 3/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1941.1.138

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    New Hollstein, no. w. 30

  • Series Title

    The Fall and Redemption of Man

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Albertina, Vienna (duplicate, Lugt 5g). W.G. Russell Allen [1882-1955], Boston; gift to the NGA, 1941.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1963

  • Winzinger, Franz. Albrecht Altdorfer, Graphik: Holzschnitte, Kupferstiche, Radierungen. Munich: R.Piper and Co., 1963, no. 55.

1996

  • The New Hollstein German Engravings, Etchings and Woodcuts, 1400-1700. (Albrecht Aldorfer, Ursula Mielke, author). Rotterdam: Sound & Vision Interactive, 1996-, no. w. 30.

Wikidata ID

Q64952442

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