DISCOVERART

Wolf Traut

Nativity and Passion of Christ

1511
woodcut

SEE IT IN PERSON

Not currently on view

In the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland · as of July 2026

View at clevelandart.org ↗Plan a visit ↗

Discussion

FROM THE CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF ART’S CATALOG

Broadsheets, in which the images are accompanied by text, depict extraordinary happenings, omens, historical events, portraits, and traditional folktales. Nativity and Passion of Christ demonstrates clearly the practical function of broadsheets in a semi-literate society. The illustrations are placed around a German prayer which tells of Christ's birth and the redemption of mankind through his Passion. The Nativity with an Adoration of the Shepherds is represented in the center, above which a hand is shown indicating various scenes from the Passion of Christ, which would be pointed out as the prayer was recited. Members of the Christian estate are represented on either side: on the left is a group of ecclesiastics behind a figure of the Pope, and on the right a cluster of secular figures are assembled behind the Holy Roman emperor.

Source ↗

Be the first to share your thoughts.

Sign in to join the discussion.

Community guidelines

More by Wolf Traut

Elector Frederick III of Saxony, from Speculum intellectuale felicitatis humaneElector Frederick III of Saxony, from Speculum intellectualeCoat of Arms of Johann StabiusCoat of Arms of Johann StabiusThe Triumphal Arch of Maximilian I: Emperor Maximilian as Patron of Improvements in Artillery and ArmorThe Triumphal Arch of Maximilian I: Emperor Maximilian as PThe Meeting of Joachim and AnnaThe Meeting of Joachim and AnnaFirst Flemish RebellionFirst Flemish RebellionBattle for Liège, plate 8 from Historical Scenes from the Life of Emperor Maximilian I from the Triumphal ArchBattle for Liège, plate 8 from Historical Scenes from the LiChrist Taking Leave of his MotherChrist Taking Leave of his MotherSiege of Utrecht, plate 6 from Historical Scenes from the Life of Emperor Maximilian I from the Triumphal ArchSiege of Utrecht, plate 6 from Historical Scenes from the Li

More like this

St. Bonifacius and St. Homobonus, Patron Saints of TailorsPieter de Jode II|Michael Haye — St. Bonifacius and St. HomoThe Upper Section of the Right Portal, with the Inscription on a Stag Skin; a Frieze with Busts of Roman Emperors; and the Entablature of the Columns, from the Arch of Honor, proof, dated 1515, printed 1517-18Hieronymus Andreae|Albrecht Dürer|Hans Springinklee — The UpDifferent Scenes, from the Gospels and from Acta ApostolorumDaniel Hopfer — Different Scenes, from the Gospels and from Tournaments and Masquerades; and Maximilian's Genealogical and Heraldic Studies; with a Statue of Albrecht the Lucky; and Portraits of Maximilian's Ancestors and Relatives,from the Arch of Honor, proof, dated 1515, printed 1517-18Albrecht Dürer|Hieronymus Andreae|Albrecht Altdorfer|Hans SpThe Venetian WeddingJohann Theodor de Bry — The Venetian WeddingMaximilian as Founder and Protector of the Order of St. George; and Maximilian and the Knights of St. George Vowing a Crusade Against the Turks; with Portraits of Emperors and Kings (Maximilian's Forerunners), from the Arch of Honor, proof, dated 1515, printed 1517-18Albrecht Altdorfer|Hans Springinklee|Albrecht Dürer|HieronymThe Infant Christ, from "Allegorical Scenes on the Life of Christ, from Christian and Profane Allegories"Hendrick Goltzius|Philips Galle — The Infant Christ, from "ABaptism, from "The Seven Sacraments"Philips Galle — Baptism, from "The Seven Sacraments"The First Flemish Rebellion; The Campaign Against Liège; The Coronation of Maximilian; The Second Flemish Rebellion; The Alliance Between Philip I of Castile and Henry VII; The Victory Against France, from the Arch of Honor, proof, dated 1515, printed 1517-18Wolf Traut|Hieronymus Andreae|Hans Springinklee|Albrecht DürThe Marriage of Philip the Fair to Joanna of Austria; Maximilian Recaptures the Occupied Territories from Hungary; The Conquest of Hungary; The Swiss War; The Liberation of Naples; and The Battle of Wenzenberg, from the Arch of Honor, proof, dated 1515, printed 1517-18Hieronymus Andreae|Albrecht Dürer|Hans Springinklee|Wolf TraThe Eleven Ages of WomenGerhard Altzenbach — The Eleven Ages of WomenMaximilian's Alliance with Henry VIII; The Double Wedding in Vienna; The Campaign in Gelderland; The Investiture of Massimiliano Sforza as Duke of Milan; and The Venetian War, from the Arch of Honor, proof, dated 1515, printed 1517-18Albrecht Dürer|Hans Springinklee|Hieronymus Andreae — Maximi