Who painted Răstignirea lui Hristos?

Răstignirea lui Hristos was painted by Michiel Coxie.

Where can I see Răstignirea lui Hristos?

Răstignirea lui Hristos is held by National Museum of Art of Romania.

Răstignirea lui Hristos by Michiel Coxie — Meaning & Museum

About this work

Overview

The work, titled Răstignirea lui Hristos, depicts a crucifixion set against a turbulent sky and a distant urban silhouette.

The work, titled Răstignirea lui Hristos, depicts a crucifixion set against a turbulent sky and a distant urban silhouette. Central to the composition is a pale, muscular figure affixed to a cross, flanked below by three figures: a woman in blue clutching her chest, another in yellow reaching upward, and a robed man in red and white with raised arms. A Latin inscription encircles two faded coat‑of‑arms at the lower edge.

Subject & Meaning

The scene conveys the solemnity of Christ’s death, emphasizing human reaction through the expressive gestures of the surrounding figures. The Latin warning to judges about fairness underscores a moral dimension, linking the crucifixion’s sacrifice to themes of justice and accountability.

Technique & Style

Rendered in a graphic medium, the image employs stark contrasts between the pallid flesh of the crucified figure and the dark, storm‑filled background. The use of vivid primary colors for the surrounding characters highlights their emotional states, while the muted tones of the sky and city create a somber atmosphere.

History & Provenance

At the bottom of the composition, a Latin text is framed by two faded heraldic devices, suggesting the original ownership or patronage of the piece. The presence of these coat‑of‑arms indicates that the work was likely commissioned for a specific individual or family, though their exact identity remains unidentified.

Context

The inclusion of a cityscape in the distance situates the crucifixion within a recognizable, perhaps contemporary, setting, a common practice in Eastern European religious art of the period. The combination of biblical narrative with civic elements reflects a tradition of linking sacred events to the viewer’s own environment.

Artist & collection

Artist

Michiel Coxie

Michiel Coxie made engravings of religious scenes. The only one in this set is a print called *Răstignirea lui Hristos*, showing the crucifixion in sharp lines and strong contrasts. Coxie worked in the 1500s tradition…