The Harrowing of Hell
Print
1510 (made), 1511 (published)
1510 (made), 1511 (published)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This print is one of a set of 12 woodcuts that tell the story of the Crucifixion and Passion of Christ. The German painter and printmaker Albrecht Dürer transformed the narrative and expressive potential of printmaking. His 'Large Passion' series is a vivid and animated rendering of the gospel story.
According to Roman Catholic belief, Christ descended into the underworld between the time of his Crucifixion and his Resurrection. He rescued the souls of all the just people who had died and been held in limbo since the beginning of the world. Holding Christ’s cross is Adam – the first man that God created.
According to Roman Catholic belief, Christ descended into the underworld between the time of his Crucifixion and his Resurrection. He rescued the souls of all the just people who had died and been held in limbo since the beginning of the world. Holding Christ’s cross is Adam – the first man that God created.
Object details
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| Object type | |
| Titles |
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| Materials and techniques | Woodcut on paper |
| Brief description | The Harrowing of Hell, plate from the Large Passion, set of 11 plates, issued with a titlepage with Latin text in 1511, by Albrecht Durer, woodcut, Germany, Nuremberg, ca. 1510. |
| Physical description | Black and White woodcut. Christ is depicted pulling figures out of a prison cell, representing a part of hell. Monstrous demons blow horns and brandish weapons. Adam is shown behind Christ holding the cross and apple. There is a bright light in the background. |
| Dimensions |
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| Credit line | Bequeathed by Miss G. E. Carthew |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | This print is one of a set of 12 woodcuts that tell the story of the Crucifixion and Passion of Christ. The German painter and printmaker Albrecht Dürer transformed the narrative and expressive potential of printmaking. His 'Large Passion' series is a vivid and animated rendering of the gospel story. According to Roman Catholic belief, Christ descended into the underworld between the time of his Crucifixion and his Resurrection. He rescued the souls of all the just people who had died and been held in limbo since the beginning of the world. Holding Christ’s cross is Adam – the first man that God created. |
| Associated objects | |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | E.711-1940 |
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| Record created | June 15, 2005 |
| Record URL |
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