Artwork

Kreuztragender Christus

Kreuztragender Christus, by Vincent Sellaer, paint, 1537
Kreuztragender Christus, by Vincent Sellaer, paint, 1537

Kreuztragender Christus is a paint painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Vincent Sellaer. It dates from 1537 and is held in the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin.

About this work

Overview

Kreuztragender Christus is a painting created by Vincent Sellaer, a Flemish artist, around 1537. It is a representative work of the Northern Renaissance, blending Italian and northern European stylistic elements.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts Jesus Christ carrying a large cross, wearing a dark robe and a crown of thorns. The somber mood reflects the gravity of the scene, while cherubs on either side of the central image add a sense of serenity.

Technique & Style

Sellaer's use of chiaroscuro creates a dramatic effect, with a dark background contrasting with the central figure. The central image is framed in gold and surrounded by a lush arrangement of fruits, flowers, and leaves, adding to the overall visual complexity.

History & Provenance

The painting is now held in the Gemäldegalerie Berlin, a testament to its significance within the Northern Renaissance art movement.

Artist & collection

Artist

Vincent Sellaer

Vincent Sellaer (1490–1564), was a Flemish Renaissance painter known for his mythological and religious subjects. His works stand out through their monumentality of form and their mixing of Italian and northern styles.

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