Christ Bearing the Cross From The Passion
Item
Title
Christ Bearing the Cross
From The Passion
From The Passion
Creator
Sebald Beham
German, 1500–1550
German, 1500–1550
Date
1521
Materials
Woodcut, second state of two
Measurements
Image: 4-7/8 x 3-3/8 in. (12.4 x 8.5 cm), sheet: 5 x 3-7/16 in. (12.6 x 8.7 cm)
Description
Although most biographies of Sebald Beham propose that he apprenticed with Albrecht Dürer, ostensibly between circa 1515 and 1520, no documentary evidence survives to confirm the association. The earliest mention of Beham in reliable accounts list him as a journeyman in 1521, and then place him in Nuremberg, running his own workshop, in 1525. At the time, he was probably best known for his designs for stain glass windows. Today he is mostly celebrated for his printmaking efforts, which include about 250 engravings, a handful of etchings, and some 1,500 woodcuts.
The production of Beham’s Passion unfolded, rather unusually, over many years. Christ Bearing the Cross was one of just three blocks cut in 1521. (That date accompanied the artist’s monogram, located in the upper right, in the print’s first state. For some reason it was removed before the sheet on view, representing the second state, was printed.) Another three were carved the following year; however, the final two woodcuts in the series were completed only in 1535.
The production of Beham’s Passion unfolded, rather unusually, over many years. Christ Bearing the Cross was one of just three blocks cut in 1521. (That date accompanied the artist’s monogram, located in the upper right, in the print’s first state. For some reason it was removed before the sheet on view, representing the second state, was printed.) Another three were carved the following year; however, the final two woodcuts in the series were completed only in 1535.
Source
Palmer Museum of Art, The Pennsylvania State University
Identifier
2014.67
Rights
This image is posted publicly for non-profit educational uses, excluding printed publication. Other uses are not permitted.