The Crucifixion of Christ, after Diego Velazquez, oil on canvas, c.1880, framed.
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A beautiful composition depicting the Passion clearly inspired by similar 17th and 18th century depictions of the crucifixion by Spanish artists, notably Diego Velazquez' 1631 composition which similarly features a memento mori skull at the foot of the cross and an expansive landscape in the background. Interestingly in this depiction we also see a snake next to the skull. One imagines this symbolically represents Jesus' triumph over evil through his sacrifice, linking back to the temptation in the garden of Eden, or perhaps the interplay between redemption and salvation. The hues of the sky are also of note, being almost neoclassical, likely representing a transitional stage between night and day and thus perhaps used by the artist to foreshadow the coming resurrection.
A beautiful composition with excellent striking colours housed in a complementary giltwood frame with floral motifs.
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Size incl. frame: 686 x 557 mm (approx.)
Condition:
Some craquelure across the canvas, as well as two areas of damage as pictured which have not been restored. Else bright and attractive.
