The Crucifixion

The image of Christ on the Cross corresponds to a precise moment in Christ's crucifixion as told in the book of Luke, 23, 44-46: 'And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in the midst, and when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit, and, having said this, he gave up his spirit.' The fact that Christ has just drawn his last breath is underlined by the skull and bones depicted at the foot of the cross. The billowing loin cloth adds to the portrayal of a particular instant in the crucifixion narrative and the dramatic effect is enhanced by the way Christ’s pale corpse stands out against the dark sky. He is framed on his right by a tree and behind him a landscape with distant mountains and a walled town is visible.

[cda 2022]