The Descent into Hell 1468

Andrea Mantegna's "The Descent into Hell" (1468) is a pen-and-ink drawing that depicts the moment when Christ descends into hell, bringing salvation to those who have died. The drawing captures the dramatic intensity of the moment, with Christ standing at the entrance to hell and looking back at the souls who are being released from their torment. Mantegna, a master of perspective and anatomy, uses a complex system of foreshortening and overlapping forms to create a sense of depth and movement, making the viewer feel like they are witnessing the scene unfold before their eyes. The drawing's small size further emphasizes its intimate and personal nature, making it a powerful meditation on the themes of salvation and redemption.