Jesus' Crucifixion In Art

The symbol of Christ on the cross has infiltrated culture in innumerable ways, and depictions have become ubiquitous. There is no other subject matter that better reflects the historical progression of artistic expression. This is fitting, as there is no other event that has had comparable effect on all aspects of human history.

"Crucified Christ with the Virgin and Saint John"
Artist: Ambrogio Bergognone
1485
Painting

An artist in the circle of Bergognone has painted a skull at the foot of Christ's cross, referring to 'The Place of the Skull' (another term for Calvary and Golgotha) where Christ was said to have been brought in all four gospels of the Bible. Although art historians have interpreted the skull as a symbol of 'memento mori' (meaning 'remember you will die'), others have attributed the skull to Adam, who according to tradition was also buried close to Calvary. Occasionally, a skeleton is shown at the foot of Christ's cross, for example, seen in Massaccio's famous Holy Trinity (1425).

"Holy Trinity"
Artist: Botticelli
1493
Painting

This altarpiece in presenting the Holy Trinity, (Jesus after crucified, God and the Holy Spirit’s Dove) along with Mary Magdalene, St John the Baptist, Tobias, and the Angel is particularly significant in evoking a sense of deep reverence towards the divine group.

This Early Renaissance Tempera on panel measures 215 cm × 192 cm and is housed in the Courtauld Institute Galleries, London, UK.

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