Descent into Limbo
Andrea Mantegna · 1475/80 · Art Institute of Chicago
Guide
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From the museum
In this deeply engraved, drawinglike print, Christ strides over the demolished gates of hell, carrying a victory standard. On the right, Adam and Eve are seen with their righteous son Abel, while Cain has been left in hell for murdering his brother. The demons that represent the torments of hell herald Christ’s arrival. These devils, with their scales and reptilian tails, resemble dragons, and have elflike ears. They seem to be flying, one of them distractedly doing acrobatic tricks instead of blowing his horn.
The museum’s own description, in English. Licence: CC BY 4.0
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Details
- Maker
- Workshop of Andrea Mantegna, Italian, 1431-1506
- Date
- 1475/80
- Medium
- Engraving in black ink on cream laid paper
- Dimensions
- 42.2 × 33.4 cm (16 5/8 × 13 3/16 in.)
- Place of origin
- Italy
- Held by
- Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · Not on view
- Credit line
- Bequest of Mrs. Potter Palmer, Jr.
Image: Art Institute of Chicago, CC0
