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The Emblem
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The Emblem

Michael Wolgemut (German, 1434–1519), artist · 1493 · woodcut

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.

About this work

In Christian belief, God speaks the world into existence, creating it and ruling over it. This woodcut is one of over 1,000 images in the Nuremberg Chronicle , an early printed book narrating the history of the Christian world. Amid creeping vines and pillars of cloud, God sits enthroned, lips parted and hand upraised in a gesture of speaking. He holds an orb as a sign of his authority over the universe. The scroll above him reads: “For he [God] spoke and they were made: he commanded and they were created. Psalm 22.” Here, God is eternally powerful.

Cleveland Museum of Art’s own description
Credit lineNuremberg Chronicle: The Emblem, 1493. Michael Wolgemut (German, 1434–1519). Woodcut; platemark: 37.6 x 23.9 cm (14 13/16 x 9 7/16 in.); sheet: 45.8 x 32.2 cm (18 1/16 x 12 11/16 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Mr. and Mrs. Charles G. Prasse Collection, 1966.410
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