Artwork

The Passion: The Crucifixion

The Passion: The Crucifixion, by Lucas van Leyden, 1521
The Passion: The Crucifixion, by Lucas van Leyden, 1521

The Passion: The Crucifixion is a print by the Renaissance artist Lucas van Leyden. It dates from 1521 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Passion: The Crucifixion is a 1521 print by Lucas van Leyden, a Dutch artist known for his engraving and woodcut skills. It is a black-and-white work held by the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts the crucifixion of Christ, with the figure on the cross dominating the composition. Two men stand nearby, one praying and the other checking Christ's side with a spear. The scene is a representation of a pivotal moment in Christian narrative.

Technique & Style

Van Leyden employed chiaroscuro, using deep shadows to create a sense of three-dimensionality. The strong contrast between light and dark emphasizes Christ's suffering, drawing the viewer's attention to the central figure.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Lucas van Leyden

Artist

Lucas van Leyden

Lucas van Leyden (1494 – 8 August 1533), was a Dutch painter and printmaker in engraving and woodcut. Lucas van Leyden was among the first Dutch exponents of genre painting and was a very accomplished engraver.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.