Christ Before Annas, from the Passion
Original title: Christ Before Annas, from the Passion
kurzbeschreibung
This woodcut, Christ before Annas, belongs to Lucas Cranach the Elder's Passion cycle and shows Jesus standing before the high priest. The sheet measures 24.8 × 17 cm and is undated. It takes its place in a series that tells the story of Christ's suffering in pictures.
Description
A symmetrical layout governs the image: Jesus Christ stands at the center, surrounded by soldiers and other figures. The soldiers appear in armor with weapons, while Jesus wears a simple robe, his hands bound. Annas sits on a throne, his garment held by a servant. Arches and garlands of flowers fill the rear area, and two dogs lie on the ground. Black and white define the sheet, bringing out the characteristics typical of the woodcut.
Context
Several Passion cycles were produced in Cranach's workshop in Wittenberg during the Reformation. Such woodcuts were part of religious image production that served both Catholic and reformatory patrons. The exact date of this work is not recorded; it is placed in the early sixteenth century. In content, the series follows the biblical account of the trial against Jesus before the high priest Annas.
Impact
The symmetrical arrangement and Jesus's calm posture give the sheet a balanced and contemplative feel. A tense atmosphere builds between Jesus and Annas, which the detailed elements of the background then loosen again.
Technique
Lines and hatching shape the motif: a woodblock was given the image and produced the impression on paper. The lines are drawn with precision and bring out the refinements characteristic of Cranach, especially in faces and garments. The print remains black and white, which makes the contrasts of light and shadow stand out more strongly.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)