This article examines the iconography of The Descent into Hell in Western European engravings, as well as book illustrations оf XV-XVIII centuries. We consider the development of the iconography associated with the author's variations, the Italian infl uence, or the new theological attitudes that have emerged in the Western Christian theology. The image “Descent into Hell” can be found throughout the work of many great artists. Dürer creates three engravings on the subject. It was also portrayed by Martin Schöngauer, Albrecht Altdorfer and Pieter Breugel the Elder. The fact that this image appears in the composition of cycles at this time is of particular importance. There are also The Passions of Christ, The Seven Virtues and illustrations of the Apostolic Creed. The image carries its specific features according to the cycle. It reaches the peak of its expressiveness as a part of depicting of the Passions of Christ. Breugel, for instance, brings into it numerous allegories. Being a representation of the dogma of the Apostolic Creed, it finds itself in a new surrounding. In book illustrations, the Creed is pictured not as a separate dogma, but as a whole formula. The fifth formula names not only the Descent, but also the Resurrection: a quote. That is why the Descent is originally positioned next to the Resurrection. In the engraving by Jacob Cornelisz van Oostsanen, these two images are incorporated into one. Similar example can be observed in the engravings by Johann Sadeler and Adrian Kollaert, depicting the works of Martin de Vos. The engraving Harrowing of Hell and Resurrection as a plate of the Bible edited by Klas Visscher-Piscator became known to Russian iconographers
Harrowing of hell, Descensus ad inferos, Descent into hell, Apostels’ Creed, Credo, engraving, Passions, Martin Schöngauer, Albrecht Dürer, Albrecht Altdorfer, Pieter Breugel the Elder, Lucas van Leiden, Johann Sadeler, Martin van der Voss, A
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Ivanova Svetlana