Christus am Kreuz,

um 1615/16

Material / Technology / Carrier

Holz

Dimensions of the object

145,2 x 91,8 cm

Displayed

AP OG Saal IX

Department

Flämische Malerei

Genre

Malerei

Inventory number

339

Acquisition

1806 aus der Galerie Düsseldorf

Stock

Bayerische Staatsgemäldesammlungen - Alte Pinakothek München

Citation

Peter Paul Rubens, Christus am Kreuz, um 1615/16, Bayerische Staatsgemäldesammlungen - Alte Pinakothek München, URL: https://www.sammlung.pinakothek.de/en/artwork/k2xnEjb4Pd (Last updated on 17.10.2023)

The skies darkened during the crucifixion according to the Gospels. Rubens picked up on this dramatic mood and used the dark background to accentuate Christ’s body. In a departure from iconic tradition, however, Christ is not depicted with his arms stretched out far apart. The lifeless body has lost its tension and hangs heavily. Rubens could have been inspired to paint this realistic rendering by the increasing interest at that time in humanist circles in the crucifixion practices of Antiquity.