The Descent from the Cross
Medium
engraving on laid paper
Dimensions
plate: 27.2 x 24.2 cm (10 11/16 x 9 1/2 in.) sheet: 27.5 x 24.3 cm (10 13/16 x 9 9/16 in.)
Classification
Department
CG-E
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Gift of Ruth Cole Kainen
Accession Number
2006.162.17
Art Historical Context
Behold *The Descent from the Cross a poignant 1572 engraving by Orazio de Santis faithfully reproducing a design by Pompeo Cesura This evocative print captures the solemn biblical moment when Christ's body is tenderly lowered from the cross, scene central to Christian devotion during the Renaissance era. Measuring about 10 11/16 x 9 1/2 inches on laid paper, it exemplifies the meticulous craft of Italian printmaking in the late 16th century, a time when such works bridged painting and popular piety. Engravings like this were revolutionary for their reproducibility, allowing sacred imagery to ...