Artwork
Kreuzaltar, Flügelaußenseite: Die Kaiserin Helena befragt die Juden und Kreuzigung Christi
Kreuzaltar, Flügelaußenseite: Die Kaiserin Helena befragt die Juden und Kreuzigung Christi is an unspecified painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Master of the Polling Panels. It dates from 1450 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.
About this work
Overview
The Kreuzaltar, Flügelaußenseite: Die Kaiserin Helena befragt die Juden und Kreuzigung Christi is a religious painting created around 1450 by the Master of the Polling Panels. It is housed at the Alte Pinakothek.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts two vertically stacked scenes: the Empress Helena questioning Jewish figures, and the Crucifixion of Christ. The upper scene features a group in brightly colored attire on a red-tiled floor, while the lower scene shows Christ on the cross with attendant figures.
Technique & Style
The figures are characterized by stiff poses and flat, expressionless faces lacking depth cues such as shading. The color palette is notable for its bright, flat hues, contributing to the overall stylized effect.
Context
The work is representative of the style associated with the Master of the Polling Panels, an artist active during the mid-15th century.
Artist & collection
Altar of Mary: Annunciation to Mary
Prince Tassilo Rides to Hunting
Altar of the Cross: The hinds finds the cross, Excavation of the cross (interior)
Kreuzaltar, Flügelaußenseite: Kaiserin Helena findet das wahre Kreuz Christi und Erprobung des Kreuzes
Altar of Mary: Adoration of the Magi
Adoration of the child
Crucifixion
The Crucifixion
The Crucifixion
Crucifixion with the Virgin, Mary Magdalen and St John the Evangelist
Christ on the Cross with the Virgin and Saint John
Christ on the Living Cross
The Crucifixion and Scenes from the Life of Saint John the Baptist
The Crucifixion
Christ on the Living Cross
The Crucifixion
Crucifixion
Crucifixion with the Virgin and Saint John the Evangelist