Artwork
The Passion: Christ Crowning with Thorns
The Passion: Christ Crowning with Thorns is a print by the Renaissance artist Master of the Banderoles. It dates from 1462 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Created around 1462, this devotional print depicts the biblical episode of Christ being crowned with thorns.
About this work
The details in this painting are interesting, like the expressions on the faces of the people around Jesus, which show their emotions.
This painting shows Jesus Christ being crowned with thorns.
It's a sad moment from the Bible.
The details in this painting are interesting, like the expressions on the faces of the people around Jesus, which show their emotions.
The artist used simple lines and colors to convey a strong feeling.
This style was common in the 15th century in the Netherlands.
You can learn more about this style by looking into the technique of sfumato.
Overview
Created around 1462, this devotional print depicts the biblical episode of Christ being crowned with thorns. Executed by the anonymous workshop known as the Master of the Banderoles, the work is part of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection.
Subject & Meaning
The image captures the moment of Christ’s suffering, focusing on the crown of thorns placed upon his head. Surrounding figures display a range of emotions, emphasizing the pathos of the scene and inviting contemplation of the Passion’s spiritual significance.
Technique & Style
Rendered with clear, uncomplicated lines and a restrained palette, the print reflects the aesthetic of mid‑15th‑century Netherlandish art. While the work does not employ the soft transitions of sfumato, its straightforward visual language conveys a direct emotional impact typical of the period’s devotional imagery.
History & Provenance
Attributed to the Master of the Banderoles, an anonymous painter active in the Netherlands during the late Gothic era, the piece entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s holdings through acquisition in the 20th century. Its provenance prior to museum ownership remains undocumented.
Artist & collection
Artist
The Master of the Banderoles was an anonymous engraver who is thought to have worked in the northern Netherlands, perhaps in Geldern or Overijssel.
