Artwork
Crucifixion

Crucifixion is an oil painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Master of 1518. It dates from 1507 and is held in the collection of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1507, this oil on panel portrays the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Executed by the anonymous Flemish painter identified only as the Master of 1518, the work belongs to the Northern Renaissance and is part of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp’s collection.
Subject & Meaning
At the composition’s centre, a nailed Christ hangs on a wooden cross, flanked by two men bearing the cross‑beam. Below, three women display expressions of mourning, embodying the biblical narrative’s emotional intensity.
Technique & Style
The artist renders faces and hands with meticulous detail, while the surrounding landscape recedes in a softer focus. Subtle contrasts of light and shadow generate a sense of depth, reflecting the chiaroscuro techniques common among Antwerp Mannerist painters.
History & Provenance
The painter’s notname derives from a dated altarpiece in Lübeck, though the artist’s true identity remains unknown. The painting entered the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp’s holdings, where it remains on display.
Context
The work exemplifies Antwerp Mannerism, a regional style that blended Gothic traditions with emerging Renaissance naturalism. Its composition, populated with numerous figures and a detailed background, illustrates the transitional aesthetic of early sixteenth‑century Flemish art.
Artist & collection
Artist
The Master of 1518 is a Flemish painter belonging to the stylistic school of Antwerp Mannerism.



















