Who painted Crucifixion with Cardinal?

Lucas Cranach, the Elder painted Crucifixion with Cardinal in 1520.

What Bible passage does Crucifixion with Cardinal depict?

Crucifixion with Cardinal depicts the biblical scene from John 19:17-27.

Where is Crucifixion with Cardinal located?

Crucifixion with Cardinal is housed at Alte Pinakothek, Barer Straße 27, Munich.

Crucifixion with Cardinal by Lucas Cranach, the Elder

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"Crucifixion with Cardinal" by Lucas Cranach the Elder is an oil-on-panel painting created between c. 1520 and 1529, inspired by the biblical passage from John 19:17-27. This artwork portrays the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, with the addition of a cardinal figure standing at the foot of the cross.

Here are some key aspects to analyze in "Crucifixion with Cardinal":

1. Composition and Focus: Cranach's composition places the crucifixion scene at the center of the painting, with Jesus on the cross as the main focus. The cardinal, dressed in his distinctive red robes, stands at the foot of the cross, in an atypical representation that draws attention to his presence during this pivotal moment. This unique addition of the cardinal adds an intriguing element to the traditional crucifixion scene.

2. Symbolism: The inclusion of the cardinal in the scene adds symbolic significance. Cardinals were high-ranking officials within the Catholic Church, and their presence may symbolize the Church's role in the crucifixion narrative. It could also represent the idea of witnessing the sacrifice of Christ, emphasizing the connection between religious authority and the central event of Christianity.

3. Emotional Expression: Cranach's attention to the emotional expression of the figures adds depth to the narrative. The suffering and agony of Jesus on the cross are palpable, while the facial expressions of the cardinal and other bystanders may convey various emotional responses, such as solemnity, grief, or contemplation.

4. Size and Medium: With dimensions of 112cm ✕ 158cm, the painting is of substantial size, allowing for intricate details and expressive figures. The use of oil on panel was common during this period, providing the artist with the ability to create vibrant colors and detailed brushwork.

5. Context and Historical Influence: Cranach the Elder was a prominent artist of the Northern Renaissance, and his works were influenced by the religious and cultural context of his time. The inclusion of the cardinal in the painting may be linked to the historical and political ties between the Catholic Church and the nobility during the Renaissance period.

6. Theological Themes: "Crucifixion with Cardinal" explores theological themes of redemption, sacrifice, and the crucifixion as a central event in Christian theology. The cardinal's presence may also prompt contemplation on the relationship between religious institutions and spiritual matters.

In conclusion, "Crucifixion with Cardinal" by Lucas Cranach the Elder is a thought-provoking and unique portrayal of the crucifixion scene, with the addition of a cardinal figure that adds symbolic depth to the narrative. Through its composition, symbolism, and emotional expression, the painting invites viewers to reflect on the significance of Christ's sacrifice and the role of religious authority in the context of this pivotal event. As a product of the Northern Renaissance, the artwork reflects Cranach's artistic vision and the religious and political influences of his time.

Details

Artist: Lucas Cranach, the Elder
Created: c. 1520 - 1529
Medium: oil on panel
Dimension: 112cm × 158cm
Passage: John 19:17-27
Housed at: Alte Pinakothek Barer Straße 27, Munich

Found in: John, John 19, 16th century, Crucifixion, Donor portrait

John 19:17-27

17 He went out, bearing his cross, to the place called “The Place of a Skull”, which is called in Hebrew, “Golgotha”,

18 where they crucified him, and with him two others, on either side one, and Jesus in the middle.

19 Pilate wrote a title also, and put it on the cross. There was written, “JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS.”

20 Therefore many of the Jews read this title, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, in Latin, and in Greek.

21 The chief priests of the Jews therefore said to Pilate, “Don’t write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but, ‘he said, “I am King of the Jews.”’”

22 Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.”

23 Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also the coat. Now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout.

24 Then they said to one another, “Let’s not tear it, but cast lots for it to decide whose it will be,” that the Scripture might be fulfilled, which says, “They parted my garments among them. For my cloak they cast lots.” Therefore the soldiers did these things.

25 But there were standing by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.

26 Therefore when Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved standing there, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!”

27 Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” From that hour, the disciple took her to his own home.

John 19:17-27 · World English Bible

The artist

Lucas Cranach, the Elder

1472 - 1553

Kronach, Germany

Lucas Cranach the Elder (c. 1472 – 16 October 1553) was a German Renaissance painter and printmaker in woodcut and engraving. He was court painter to the Electors of Saxony for most of his career, and is known for his portraits, both of German princes and those of the leaders of the Protestant Reformation, whose cause he embraced with enthusiasm. He was a close friend of Martin Luther. Cranach also painted religious subjects, first in the Catholic tradition, and later…