In formal terms the painting refers to the type of crowded Calvary scene that was made popular by the Cranach workshop. Christ and the two thieves are positioned against an empty sky, raised high above the throng of onlookers and soldiers on horseback. It is only the lances that penetrate
In formal terms the painting refers to the type of crowded Calvary scene that was made popular by the Cranach workshop. Christ and the two thieves are positioned against an empty sky, raised high above the throng of onlookers and soldiers on horseback. It is only the lances that penetrate this space. The good thief, crucified at Jesus's right hand, gazes up at him with acceptance, while the bad thief looks away. This conventional division of positive and negative on either side of the cross continues below with the mourning friends of Christ occupy the lower left corner of the composition. The swooning Virgin is supported by Saint John the Evangelist and two women. Opposite these holy figures are the soldiers who cast dice to determine who will take possession of Christ's clothing.
[cda 2020]
- Attributions
-
Follower of Lucas Cranach the Elder
Circle of Lucas Cranach the Elder
Attributions
| Follower of Lucas Cranach the Elder | or circle? [Letter from D. Koepplin, 04.03.1994; Koepplin Archive] |
| Circle of Lucas Cranach the Elder | or follower? [Letter from D. Koepplin, 04.03.1994; Koepplin Archive] |
| Workshop Lucas Cranach the Elder | [Auct. Cat. Lucerne 1975, 27, no. 389] |
- Production date
- 1542
Production date
| 1542 | [dated] |
- Dimensions
- Dimensions of support: 38 x 24 cm
Dimensions
Dimensions of support: 38 x 24 cm
[Auct. Cat. Lucerne 1975, 27, no. 389]
- Signature / Dating
Dated below the central soldier casting dice at the right side: '1542'
Signature / Dating
Dated below the central soldier casting dice at the right side: '1542'
- Inscriptions and Labels
Inscription above the cross: '.I.N.R.I.'
Inscriptions and Labels
Inscriptions, Badges:
Inscription above the cross:
'.I.N.R.I.'
- Owner
- Private Collection
- Repository
- Private Collection
- CDA ID
- PRIVATE_NONE-P353
- FR (1978) Nr.
- FR-none
- Persistent Link
- https://lucascranach.org/en/PRIVATE_NONE-P353/