Ristiinnaulittu
Technique: Giclée quality print
Recommended by our customers
More about this artwork
This detailed woodcut titled "Ristiinnaulittu" by Lucas Cranach depicts the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, a subject commonly explored in Christian art to represent the suffering and sacrifice of Christ for humanity's sins.In the center of the composition, Jesus is shown on the cross with the sign "INRI" (Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum, which translates to "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews") affixed above his head. To his left, there is another crucified figure, typically identified as one of the two thieves mentioned in the New Testament narratives. This figure appears to twist in agony.The scene is crowded with a variety of figures, illustrating the mix of sorrow, indifference, and mockery that the Gospels attribute to the spectators at the crucifixion. Some figures are depicted in contemporary dress of Cranach's time, linking the biblical story to the artist's present day and making the scene more relatable to contemporary viewers. Notable are the expressions and gestures of the bystanders which range from grief to casual observation, reflecting a spectrum of human responses.Rich in detail and symbolic content, the artwork serves not only as a devotional image but also as a complex narrative scene that invites viewers to contemplate the profound spiritual significance of the event. Cranach’s skill in woodcut technique is evident in the intricate details of the figures' clothing and the expressive faces, which convey a strong sense of emotion and drama.
Delivery
Returns
Lucas Cranach the Elder (1472-1553) was born in Kronach, Germany to an artist father. He was appointed to the court of Friedrich the Wise in Wittemberg. He supplied Renaissance paintings, murals, and decorations for the various ducal residences at Wittenberg, Veste Coburg and Torgau. Cranach was a friend of Martin Luther, and famous for his Protestant Reformation, secular and mythological paintings, as well as portraits.