Christ in Limbo, 1512
Albrecht Dürerexpand_more
Engravingexpand_more
The William M. Ladd Collection Gift of Herschel V. Jones, 1916expand_more P.135
Not on Viewexpand_more
Durer executed the Engraved Passion during the years 1507-1512, while in his mid-twenties. In the fifteen plates, Durer sought out difficult problems, such as extreme foreshortening. There is a marked darkening of the whole image, while the figures are accented by a restrained, yet expressive light that adds drama to the sombre events. The consistent placement of figures in the foreground unifies the series. Durer customarily sold them as a set, which seems to have been intended for the connoisseur collector.
Christ in Limbo, also entitled the Harrowing of Hell, depicts a passage in the Aprcrophal text of the Bible, the Gospel of Nicodemus. After his Resurrection, Christ descended into Limbo (a border region of Hell, where the just awaited Christ's Redemption), and led the patriarchs, the Old Testament prophets, and Adam and Eve to salvation. The figure of Christ, holding his cross and standard, is seen literally wrenching a good soul from flames and devils.
Details
- Title
- Christ in Limbo
- Artist Life
- 1471–1528
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- P.135
- Catalogue Raisonne
- M.16 iii/v; K.59; B.16, 39; D.63
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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