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Unknown artist

Christ on the Cross Between Mary and Saint John

1460/70
Handcolored woodcut, printed through rubbing, on paper
18.7 × 12.4 cm (7.4 × 4.9 in)

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In the collection of Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · as of July 2026

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FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

Like the Man of Sorrows nearby (1944.172), this woodcut depicting Christ’s mother and his most beloved apostle in mourning is a rare example of European medieval devotional practices. The print was found pasted with several others in a book in the library of the Abbey of Saint Gall. Christ’s Crucifixion and Resurrection formed the crux of Christian belief, and so these events were depicted frequently. The hand-colored blood on Christ’s body has since faded to light brown, softening its visual impact. As a result, however, this image becomes even more quietly poignant and melancholy.

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