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.

"The Entombment/Deposition"
Artist: Caravaggio
1603-04
Painting

Described by the Vatican Museum (which is now home to the painting) as “one of Caravaggio’s greatest masterpieces,” The Entombment was commissioned by Girolamo Vittrice for his family chapel in S. Maria in Vallicella (Chiesa Nuova) in Rome. The scene shows mourners carrying Christ's body to its burial place, with John the Evangelist in a red cloak supporting Christ's torso, and Nicodemus carrying Christ's legs. A distraught Mary of Clopas, a weeping Mary Magdalene, and a bowed Virgin Mary accompany Christ to his burial.

This masterpiece is oil on canvas and is housed in Vatican City

"The Crowning with Thorns"
Artist: Caravaggio
1607
Painting

The painting shows a crown made of thorns forcefully put on Jesus’ head just before he is about to be crucified in order to mock at his claims of holding authority.

This Italian Baroque oil on canvas painting measures 127 cm × 165.5 cm (50 in × 65.2 in) and is housed in the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna, Austria.

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