Christ standing facing forward, holding a cross with a banner and raising his left hand
Original title: Christ standing facing forward, holding a cross with a banner and raising his left hand
kurzbeschreibung
This engraving by Marco Dente was made between about 1515 and 1527. It shows Christ standing frontally, holding a cross with a banner in his right hand and raising his left in blessing.
Description
Christ stands squarely facing the viewer, his gaze directed straight out. His right hand grips a cross from which a banner flutters; his left is raised, the index finger pointing upward. He wears a long-sleeved tunic and a sash, and is barefoot, with long, wavy hair and a beard. Rays of light emanate from above his head, signaling his divine nature. The background is made up of horizontal stripes.
Context
Marco Dente was an Italian engraver of the Renaissance, a pupil of Marcantonio Raimondi, active in Rome. The print dates from the first half of the sixteenth century, a period of lively artistic engagement with both antique and Christian subjects. Dente often reproduced works by other artists, and this sheet is thought to be such a case.
Impact
Christ's frontal stance and direct gaze give the print an immediate presence and seriousness. The clear layout and delicate lines create a calm, solemn mood that underscores the dignity of the figure.
Technique
The lines were cut into a metal plate with a burin and then printed—an engraving. This technique allows sharp contours and precise shading, which stand out clearly here. The detailed execution attests to Marco Dente's high level of craftsmanship.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)