The Crucifixion

This depiction of the crucifixion shows three crosses, that have been erected in an austere geometrical arrangement on a strip of ground strewn with pebbles. Christ's cross is shown frontally in the centre of the shallow pictorial space and occupies almost the entire height of the picture. The diagonally positioned thieves' crosses stand somewhat further back, while the horizontal beams extend to the corners of the image. The transverse sections of the round beams visible at the upper corners of the painting emphasise the constricting stage-like space. There is no middle-ground; the horizon can only be surmised where the light colour merges with the blue-white of a sky that darkens to a black night sky at the top of the image. Only three figures are gathered beneath the cross. St John is shown at the right, while the Virgin stands wringing her hands at the left. Mary Magdalene embraces the shaft of Christ's cross in mourning.

[cda 2019]