Artwork

Crucifixion

Crucifixion, by Master of 1518, oil, 1507
Crucifixion, by Master of 1518, oil, 1507

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

Master of 1518

The Master of 1518 is a Flemish painter belonging to the stylistic school of Antwerp Mannerism.