Who painted Christ on the Cross?

Christ on the Cross was painted by Unknown in 1350.

Where can I see Christ on the Cross?

Christ on the Cross is held by Statens Museum for Kunst.

Artwork

Christ on the Cross

Christ on the Cross is a photography by Unknown. It dates from 1350 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.

About this work

Overview

The surviving representation is a photograph of the original, showing extensive fading, surface damage, and a grainy texture that obscures many details.

Christ on the Cross is a mid‑fourteenth‑century work attributed to the anonymous creator identified as 37248_person. Executed around 1350, the image portrays the crucifixion scene in a subdued palette of browns, yellows, and occasional red accents. The surviving representation is a photograph of the original, showing extensive fading, surface damage, and a grainy texture that obscures many details.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on the figure of Christ suspended from a wooden cross, a conventional iconography of Christian devotion. The figure’s features are scarcely discernible, emphasizing the universal suffering rather than individual identity. The muted coloration and deteriorated background contribute to a somber atmosphere, reinforcing themes of sacrifice and redemption inherent in the crucifixion narrative.

Technique & Style

Although the original medium is not specified, the surviving image suggests a painted surface typical of the Gothic period, with limited modeling and a flat application of pigment. The dominant earth tones and restrained use of red align with contemporary devotional works, while the lack of fine detail indicates either an early stage of execution or later degradation.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1350, the work eventually entered the collection of the Museum of Ethnography, where it is currently held. The museum’s catalogue lists the piece as an image rather than a painting, reflecting the condition of the surviving artifact—a cracked, grainy photograph that records the original’s faded state.