Silver Statuette of the Christ Child, from the "Wittenberg Reliquaries" (Woodcut; first state of two (Hollstein))
Original title: Silver Statuette of the Christ Child, from the "Wittenberg Reliquaries"
kurzbeschreibung
Lucas Cranach the Elder presents the Christ Child as a silver statuette surrounded by ornamental foliage in this woodcut. The sheet belongs to the 'Wittenberg Relics' series and is here in an early state.
Description
The Christ Child stands frontally and naked, with a sturdy, muscular body and curly hair. His left hand is slightly raised, while his right grasps a globe adorned with a cross. Beneath the figure is a stylized leaf-and-branch motif that suggests a rock or base. Small stylized dots in the background may hint at stars or symbols. Monochrome with strong light-dark contrasts, the image shows the manner typical of Renaissance woodcut.
Context
The woodcut was created in the milieu of the Wittenberg Reformation, where Lucas Cranach the Elder worked as court painter and printmaker. The 'Wittenberg Relics' formed a series related to the relic collection of Frederick the Wise. Martin Luther later criticized this collection, making the print a historical document of a transitional period.
Impact
Clear silhouette and contrast-rich printing give the figure monumental presence. The motif of the silver statuette evokes an ambivalent effect that oscillates between sacred veneration and critical distancing.
Technique
The woodcut is in the first state of two and is printed on paper measuring 13 × 5.6 cm. The woodcut technique allows fine lines and strong shadows to be achieved, produced by printing from a wooden block.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)