Raising the Cross

Art Historical Context

"Raising the Cross," a hand-colored woodcut from 1490 by an anonymous German artist of the 15th century captures a pivotal moment from the Passion of Christ. This dramatic scene, likely depicting the erection of the cross at Calvary, reflects the intense religious devotion of late medieval Northern Europe. Woodcuts like this were revolutionary, allowing intricate biblical narratives to reach a wide audience beyond the elite who could afford paintings or sculptures. The medium's significance lies in its innovative technique: carved wooden blocks inked and pressed onto paper, then meticulously ...

About the Artist

German 15th Century

**German 15th Century** The designation "German 15th Century" encompasses a collective of anonymous artists active in the late medieval and early Renaissance periods in Germany, primarily known through their contributions to early printmaking and panel painting. These creators emerged during a transformative era when woodcuts and engravings began democratizing religious imagery, bridging the Goth...