Descent into Limbo

c. 1490–1500

after Andrea Mantegna

(Italian, about 1431–1506)

Culture

Italy, 15th century

Medium

engraving

Measurements

Sheet: 41.2 x 28.2 cm (16 1/4 x 11 1/8 in.); Mat Size: 56 x 40.7 cm (22 1/16 x 16 in.)

Credit Line

Dudley P. Allen Fund 1926.261

Catalogue raisonné

Hind V(II).19.9a

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Location

Not on view

Description

This subject, also known as the Harrowing of Hell, recounts Christ’s descent into limbo, the first circle of hell, to liberate the souls of Old Testament saints. The church taught that those who lived and died in an era without the Christian sacraments were relegated to a lower place until Christ could come redeem them. Here Christ, holding the banner of the Resurrection, enters through a doorway. Broken from its hinges, the door has fallen to the ground over which Christ triumphantly walks. A group of figures await their redemption, including Adam and Eve to the right. Above, a group of demons emerge from the cavern, sounding trumpets to announce Christ’s arrival.