Risen Christ Between Saints Andrew and Longinus

The powerful composition Risen Christ Between Saints Andrew and Longinus was produced by the Workshop of Andrea Mantegna Italian, 1431-1506, during the years 1467-1477. This striking religious image is an important example of 15th-century Italian printmaking, executed with the demanding technique of engraving on paper. The classification as a print confirms the pivotal role the medium played in disseminating important compositions across Europe during the Early Renaissance. The work reflects the high standard of craftsmanship achieved by artists closely associated with Mantegna, one of the most influential North Italian masters of the period.

The composition centers on the resurrected Christ flanked by two prominent saints who serve as dramatic witnesses to the Resurrection. On the left stands Saint Andrew, identifiable by his characteristic X-shaped cross, while Saint Longinus, the soldier traditionally credited with piercing Christ’s side, holds his spear. The figures display the dramatic intensity, meticulous detail, and deep-seated commitment to classical form favored by Mantegna. The monumental quality of the saints and the careful rendering of the drapery are hallmarks of this influential school, blending classical monumentality with religious fervor.

As an engraving, this piece played a crucial role in spreading the master’s highly influential style across Italy and beyond. Early prints such as this were foundational sources for artists and collectors, allowing widespread access to compositions that would otherwise remain localized frescoes or altarpieces. The precise dating places the work within the height of the Italian Renaissance, a period characterized by renewed scholarly interest in classical history and anatomy. This important piece of art history is preserved today in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, making high-quality images of this masterpiece effectively part of the public domain for ongoing study and appreciation.