Christ on the Cross with Mary and John
Classification
figures
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Leo Wallerstein
Accession Number
1950-131-130
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Martin Schongauer (c. 1450–1491), a masterful German artist of the late Gothic period, *Christ on the Cross with and John* around 1485. Working in the vibrant artistic centers of Colmar and Ulm, Schongauer renowned for his intricate engravings that bridged medieval traditions with emerging Renaissance realism. This poignant depiction of the Crucifixion—featuring Christ on the cross flanked by the sorrowful Virgin Mary and Saint John—exemplifies his skill in conveying deep emotional resonance through religious iconography central to late 15th-century Northern European devotion. As a key figure...