The Good Thief
1501 to 1550
Medium
pen and brown ink with brown and (orange?) wash, heightened with white
Dimensions
overall: 18.8 x 14.4 cm (7 3/8 x 5 11/16 in.)
Classification
Drawing
Department
CG-E
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund
Accession Number
1971.47.2
Art Historical Context
Karel van Mander I’s *The Good Thief* captures a poignant moment from the biblical Passion, depicting the repentant criminal crucified alongside Christ. Created between 1501 and 1550, this intimate drawing reflects the Northern Renaissance interest in religious narratives that emphasized human emotion and redemption. As a preparatory or independent work, it invites viewers to contemplate themes of faith and forgiveness central to Christian devotion during this period. The artist employs pen and brown ink with layered brown and orange washes, heightened with white, to create dramatic contrasts...