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 Donors"
Artist: Ugolino di Nerio
1327
Painting

For unknown reasons, the present panel was cut down at the lower half as both Mary and Saint John were originally full-length, standing on either side of the cross. A painting now in a private collection in Florence reproduces this panel on a smaller scale and thus provides us with an idea of its original appearance. These two crucifixions reveal slight differences in their iconography, such as the lack of angels in the panel in the Florentine collection, the different construction of the haloes and the arrangement of one of the Virgin’s hands, as well as other elements relating to technique.

"The Crucifixion"
Artist: Pietro Lorenzetti
1345
Painting

Lorenzetti imbued this familiar biblical subject with a new sense of pathos and dramatic intensity. Details such as the piercing of Christ’s side with a spear, the breaking of the legs of the thieves, and the Virgin swooning into the arms of her companions ensure an emotional response from the viewer. Lorenzetti creates a strong sense of shared human experience by placing his figures in pairs or groups, allowing us to imagine the various reactions that were felt by witnesses of the Crucifixion.

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