Artist

Maker Unknown

Nationality

French

Artist Dates

15th c.

Preview

image preview

Date of Work

c. 1470-1480

Medium

Tempera, gold leaf, and ink on vellum

Collection/Provenance

Art & Design Study Collection

Status

Stored: W02

Location

UND Art Collection Repository

Additional Information

The subject is depicted symbolically as most details related to the story are reduced to essentials and only three figures are included: Christ, the Virgin Mary, and St. John the Evangelist. Traditionally, these are often the only human figures present in Crucifixion scenes. On the ground near the base of the cross is a skull, in reference to the skull of Adam.

The figures are pushed forward to the edge of the picture plane to stress there importance, while the background landscape is simple so as to not visually compete with the foreground figures. An unusual feature is the smaller scale of Christ in comparison to the other figures.

Condition

Excellent

Rights

Images are provided for educational purposes only and may not be reproduced for commercial use. Images may be protected by artist copyright. A credit line is required to be used for any public non-commercial educational purpose. The credit line must include, “Image courtesy of the University of North Dakota.”

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