The symbol of a cross is one that we see very often. Usually, the particular person sporting this tattoo has a bit of a religious side. The cross, being the device that Jesus Christ was crucified on, is an essential and most famous piece of Christianity history. The cross is tattooed and displayed as a way of keeping your faith and a reminder of the creator and son of the creator. What is the difference between just one cross, and multiple crosses? Below we will go over this and give other creative ideas to go along with the ‘three cross’ tattoo graphic.

Before we look into this tattoo, it is good to know a little history behind it as well. In the year 1653, a Dutch artist by the name of Rembrandt Van Rijn, decided to etch, or engrave, the scene in which Jesus Christ and the two thieves who were crucified alongside of him.

In this drypoint, etched piece of art, the Virgin Mary is seen weeping with the Evangelist supporting her. Roman soldiers on horseback are watching the crucifixion along with grieving citizens, all circling around Jesus and the two thieves. A beam of light shines down through the dark skies on Jesus and the thieves, representing the light from Heaven. This portrait was, and still is, considered one of the most dynamic prints ever made.

The ‘Three Crosses’ print is a pretty intricate piece. Just because it is such a great graphic, it does not necessarily mean you have to get the image tattooed exactly as it is done. Most people with the three crosses tattoo simply get just three crosses and that’s that. There really is no need to go the extra mile of having the entire scene tattooed unless that is what you want, if so then by all means you do that!

Just a friendly piece of advice, make sure your tattoo artist is able to sketch this graphic out, and choose a spot big enough for the entire scene to be shown. If you just want three crosses however, that is perfectly fine as well. The three crosses can represent much more than just this old etching.