Descent from the Cross
1501 to 1550
Medium
pen and brown ink with brown wash on laid paper
Dimensions
sight size: 39.7 x 29.3 cm (15 5/8 x 11 9/16 in.) support: 61.6 x 51.1 cm (24 1/4 x 20 1/8 in.)
Classification
Drawing
Department
CG-E
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Rosenwald Collection
Accession Number
1943.3.8855
Art Historical Context
Behold the somber elegance of *Descent from the Cross a drawing after the Italian artist Daniele Ricciarelli (known as Daniele da Volterra), dating to the early 16th century (1501–1550). This poignant depiction captures the biblical moment when Christ's body is tenderly lowered from the cross, theme central to Renaissance religious art that evokes profound grief and devotion. Rendered in pen and brown ink with brown wash on laid paper—a favored support for preparatory sketches of the era—the work measures a sight size of 39.7 x 29.3 cm, inviting intimate contemplation. Ricciarelli, a pupil of...