Descent from the Cross c. 1490

This woodcut, Descent from the Cross, by an anonymous artist, confronts us with a scene of profound emotional intensity. The composition is structured around the stark verticality of the cross, yet softened by the curved figures that huddle at its base. The limited color palette—predominantly blues, reds, and greens—imbues the scene with a sense of solemnity. Linear patterns etched into the block define form and texture, lending a tactile quality to the scene, from the rough-hewn wood of the cross to the woven texture of the robes. Here, form serves function, and the structural economy of the woodcut underscores the spiritual gravity of the event. It invites us to contemplate not only the narrative but also the intrinsic qualities of the medium itself. The stark lines, the minimal palette, and the potent imagery converge to create a deeply affecting visual and emotional experience.