Christ on the cross flanked by the Virgin, Saint Brigit and Saint Elisabeth
ca. 1480–1500 (restrike?)
Medium
Woodcut with areas of red colouring
Dimensions
Sheet: 14 in. × 10 3/16 in. (35.5 × 25.8 cm)
Classification
Prints
Department
Drawings and Prints
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1917
Accession Number
17.3.3319
Art Historical Context
This poignant woodcut, titled *Christ on the Cross Fl by the Virgin, Saintigit, and Saint Elisabeth*, is anonymous Italian print from around 1480–1500, possibly a later rest from the original block. Measuring about 14 by 10 inches, it captures a devotional Crucifixion scene: Christ nailed to the cross, sorrowfully attended by the Virgin Mary and two revered female saints—Brigit of Sweden, known for her mystical visions and Elisabeth, likely of, patroness of the poor. The selective red coloring heightens the emotional drama, drawing the eye to blood and wounds in a technique common for enhancin...