The Crucified Christ in a Decorated Niche

1520s

Daniel Hopfer

Associated Names
Daniel Hopfer

Artist, German, c. 1470 - 1536

This is a drawing of an architectural structure with a crucifixion scene. The central figure is depicted on a cross, surrounded by an imposing shrine with classical details. The structure is adorned with carvings, including figures, scrolls, and foliage motifs. Two armored figures stand on the top of the structure, each holding a staff with a banner. At the base, there are mythical creatures and acanthus leaves decorating the niches. The overall composition is symmetrical, reminiscent of Renaissance engravings with a complex interplay of figures and decor.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching (iron) on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund

  • Dimensions

    plate: 22.4 x 14.9 cm (8 13/16 x 5 7/8 in.)
    sheet: 22.7 x 15.2 cm (8 15/16 x 6 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2000.154.1

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Hollstein, no. 18, State i/ii

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

P. Gervaise, Paris (d. 1860) (Lugt 1078). Graphische Sammlung, Munich (2723 and duplicate stamp, Lugt 2397). (C.G. Boerner, Inc., New York); purchased 2000 by NGA.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

2012

  • Imperial Augsburg: Renaissance Prints and Drawings, 1475-1540, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.; Jack S. Blanton Museum of Art, Austin, TX; Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center at Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY, 2012-2014, no. 25.

Bibliography

1802

  • Bartsch, Adam. Le peintre graveur. 21 vols. Vienna, 1802-1821: Adam. Le peintre graveur. 21 vols. Vienna: J.V. Degen, 1802-1821.

1949

  • Hollstein, F.W.H. et al. German engravings, etchings and woodcuts ca. 1400-1700. Amsterdam: A.L. van Gendt, 1986; Vol. XV, 18, i/ii.

2009

  • Metzger, Christof. Daniel Hopfer: ein Augsburger Meister der Renaissance : Eisenradierungen, Holzschnitte, Zeichnungen, Waffenätzungen. München: Staatliche Graphische Sammlung; Berlin: Deutscher Kunstverlag, 2009, no. 22, i/iv.

Inscriptions

lower left in plate: DH; by later hand, in banner at upper right in brown ink: 1530; by later hand, lower right in graphite: BM 13; by later hand, center verso in graphite: B 13 I vol.... No / (not deciphered) / 15m. / ex Bibliotheque / (not deciphered); by later hand, lower left verso in graphite: N. 50 / 350

Markings

illegible blindstamp

Watermarks

crown with a cross (not identified)

Wikidata ID

Q76337989

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