Artwork
Christ with the cross and the chalice
Christ with the cross and the chalice is an oil painting by the Mannerist artist Cornelis van Haarlem. It dates from 1596 and is held in the collection of the National Museum in Warsaw.
About this work
Overview
Christ with the cross and the chalice is a 1596 oil painting by Cornelis van Haarlem, a prominent figure in the Dutch Golden Age and a leading exponent of Northern Mannerism.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts Christ holding a cross and a chalice containing a red liquid, seated on a cloth and gazing upwards. The scene is a representation of a pivotal moment, conveyed through the figure's serious expression and symbolic objects.
Technique & Style
The artist employs chiaroscuro, using strong contrasts between light and dark to create a three-dimensional effect, particularly on the figure's torso. The dark background accentuates the subject, while the red liquid in the chalice draws the viewer's attention.
History & Provenance
Created in 1596, the painting is characteristic of the Mannerist movement, known for its stylized figures and dramatic composition. Cornelis van Haarlem's work influenced later Dutch portraitists, including Frans Hals.
Artist & collection
Artist
Cornelis Corneliszoon van Haarlem (Dutch: ; 1562 – 11 November 1638) was a Dutch Golden Age painter and draughtsman, one of the leading Northern Mannerist artists in the Netherlands, and an important forerunner of Frans Hals as a…
