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Christ Blessing the Children

ca. 1545–50
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 537
The story of Christ Blessing the Children is found in the Gospels. When children are brought to Christ for blessing, and his disciples raise objections, Christ counters with the words inscribed across the top of this panel: "Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God" (Mark 10:14).
The painting and its pendant, Christ and the Adulteress (seen to the right), share the theme of the free dispensation of divine grace, a central tenet of Lutheranism. Their small size suggests that they were meant for a private setting.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Christ Blessing the Children
  • Artist: Lucas Cranach the Younger and Workshop (German, Wittenberg 1515–1586 Wittenberg)
  • Date: ca. 1545–50
  • Medium: Oil on beech
  • Dimensions: 6 1/2 x 8 3/4 in. (16.5 x 22.2 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: The Jack and Belle Linsky Collection, 1982
  • Object Number: 1982.60.36
  • Curatorial Department: European Paintings

More Artwork

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Christ and the Adulteress, Lucas Cranach the Younger and Workshop German, Oil on beech
Christ and the Adulteress
Lucas Cranach the Younger and Workshop
ca. 1545–50
Venus and Cupid, Lucas Cranach the Elder German, Oil on wood
Venus and Cupid
Lucas Cranach the Elder
ca. 1525–27
The Martyrdom of Saint Barbara, Lucas Cranach the Elder German, Oil on linden
The Martyrdom of Saint Barbara
Lucas Cranach the Elder
ca. 1510
Virgin and Child with Saint Anne, Albrecht Dürer German, Oil on linden
Virgin and Child with Saint Anne
Albrecht Dürer
probably 1519
Salvator Mundi, Albrecht Dürer German, Oil on linden
Salvator Mundi
Albrecht Dürer
ca. 1505

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