Christ curing the Lepers
Italy
Chiaroscuro woodcut after Parmigianino
Plate: 298 x 418 mm
Mount: 404 x 556 mm
In this dynamic scene, Christ is seen raising his arm to the ten lepers who kneel before him to be healed (Luke 17:11-19). Surrounded by his disciples, he is identifiable by a bright spark of light that radiates from him. The chiaroscuro woodcut method of printing makes use of three different coloured blocks in black and olive greens, creating a dramatic shadow effect that acts as a substitute for extensive detail. Vicentino’s print is after a drawing now in the Devonshire Collection, Chatsworth.
Purchased January 1958 (No. 58.3)