The Crucifixion

The image of Christ alone on the Cross corresponds to a precise moment in his crucifixion as told in 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.' Here Christ is shown with his head bowed and appears to have just drawn his last breath. The billowing loin cloth either side of him emphasises the portrayal of a particular instant in the narrative and the dramatic effect is enhanced by the way Christ’s pale corpse stands out against the dark sky. Beneath him on the left a town is visible perched on a rocky outcrop, a path lined with trees leads into the middle distance on his right and behind him a landscape unfolds.

[cda 2023]