Art Institute of Chicago
Descent into Limbo
Workshop of Andrea MantegnaLinkedCulture matchlcp-8be0a0ceb2e3
- Date
- 1475/80
- Medium
- Engraving in black ink on cream laid paper
- Culture
- Italy
- Department
- Prints and Drawings
- Institution
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Object ID
- 4310
From the Art Institute of Chicago record
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.
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Provenance & credit
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- Credit line
- Bequest of Mrs. Potter Palmer, Jr.
Linked open data
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- Object type
- AAT300041273
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