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Master AG

Passion of Jesus Christ: The Descent into Limbo

1400s
engraving

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

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FROM THE CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF ART’S CATALOG

Christ is shown preparing to enter the doorway leading to limbo, the first circle of hell, in order to redeem the Old Testament saints. The door has symbolically broken from its hinges, crushing Satan beneath. Christ grasps Adam, now old and gray, by the wrist, accompanied by Eve and other Old Testament righteous ones. The artist has creatively depicted a variety of demons who glare helplessly at Christ.

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