Christ on the cross flanked by the Virgin, Saint Brigit and Saint Elisabeth

Art Historical Context

This poignant woodcut, titled *Christ on the Cross Fl by the Virgin, Saintigit, and Saint Elisabeth*, is anonymous Italian print from around 1480–1500, possibly a later rest from the original block. Measuring about 14 by 10 inches, it captures a devotional Crucifixion scene: Christ nailed to the cross, sorrowfully attended by the Virgin Mary and two revered female saints—Brigit of Sweden, known for her mystical visions and Elisabeth, likely of, patroness of the poor. The selective red coloring heightens the emotional drama, drawing the eye to blood and wounds in a technique common for enhancing woodcuts' impact. Created during the late Italian Renaissance, when printmaking exploded as an affordable medium for spreading religious imagery, this work exemplifies early woodcut artistry. Carved in relief on wood blocks and hand-colored, it allowed widespread circulation among the faithful, fostering personal piety outside elite paintings. Its anonymity reflects workshop traditions, prioritizing iconography over individual fame. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department (Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1917), this print offers a window into 15th-century Catholic devotion, blending solemn theology with accessible beauty for everyday worshippers.