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Crucifixion In Art Analysis

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Crucifixion In Art Analysis
Crucifixion in Art

HUM/266
University of Phoenix
June 23, 2009
Crucifixion in Art Crucifixion was a method of capital punishment, amongst several different groups of people. The most famous Crucifixion that is often depicted in art is that of Jesus Christ. There are multiple methods of depiction, including painting. Three paintings were selected that reflect the crucifixion of Jesus Christ through the eyes of different artists from different time periods. The paintings selected were The Crucifixion by Simon Vouet, The Crucifixion by Carl Heinrich Bloch, and The Small Crucifixion by Matthias Grunewald.
Historical Background Crucifixion was an important method of capital punishment, mainly among the Persians, Seleucids, Carthaginians, …show more content…
The artist, Carl Heinrich Bloch chose light and neutral colors. Normally in a setting as the Crucifixion, the darker and stormier the colors are, the more anguish is shown. In the oil on copper plate painting, there is an emphasis on the horizon of the sky. All the components in the artwork have a dark colored, yet still earthy and neutral motif versus Jesus Christ who is colored very lightly. This may be because it symbolizes that Jesus Christ is raised into heaven. In the painting, it shows a female lying down in what seems to be a fainting position. This female represents the Virgin Mary as she is shown in distraught over the crucifixion of Christ. In the painting, there is a strong and realistic approach towards enhancing the nailing of Christ’s hands and feet. When looking at his limbs, there is an overwhelming feeling wondering of what Jesus had to experience when he was crucified. There is also a light shining in an outline of Christ’s head as if there is an angel behind him ready to lift his soul and spirit into heaven. For the Savior Jesus Christ to sacrifice himself in such a horrific, yet heroic way, the only place the artist wanted to send his spirit was to heaven. This was done so very well in this
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