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.

"Crucifixion"
Artist: Gabriel Metsu
 1660
  Painting

Metsu, who like Vermeer was Catholic, borrowed the youth’s pose from the Pietà. In the final phase of his career (he died at 38), he painted large religious scenes. One of them is this dark, phantasmagorial crucifixion that pales in comparison to his genre paintings.

"Christ Crucified"
Artist: Murillo
 1680
  Painting

This poignant depiction of Christ on the Cross is an oil sketch that relates to a large painting in the Prado, Madrid. Murillo created a perfect focus for meditation: the sun has set, the cloudy sky is streaked with moonlight, and in the dim background Jerusalem can be seen.

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