The Crucifixion

German 19th Century

German 19th Century

Associated Names
German 19th Century

Artist

This is a painting of a crucifixion scene set against an ornate backdrop. The image depicts a highly detailed and stylized crucifixion with a cityscape in the background. The central figure on the cross is surrounded by intricate patterns and symbols, framing the composition in an elaborate manner. The artwork uses a limited color palette, primarily relying on darker tones with highlights to create contrast. The style of the painting is reminiscent of religious iconography from the Renaissance period. The ornate patterns and the architectural elements of the cityscape suggest influences from gothic or medieval art styles as well.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    metal plate with gold inlay

  • Credit Line

    Samuel H. Kress Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall: 10.3 × 10 cm (4 1/16 × 3 15/16 in.)
    height (with suspension loop): 11.1 cm (4 3/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1961.9.179

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Trivulzio Collection, Milan, by 1874.[1] (Alessandro Contini Bonacossi, 1878-1955, Rome and Florence);[2] purchased 26 June 1935 by Samuel H. Kress (1863-1955), New York; gift 27 September 1950 to the Samuel H. Kress Foundation, New York;[3] gift 1961 to NGA.
[1] Laura Aldovini, I Nielli Trivulzio. Storia, Tecnica, Collezionismo, Milan, 2021:245.
[2] The bill of sale included sculptures, maiolicas, furniture, antique velvets, paintings, and enamels, for a total of one hundred objects. Copy in NGA curatorial files. See also The Kress Collection Digital Archive, (https://kress.nga.gov/Detail/acquisitions/ACQ143).
[3] An affidavit of 21 August 1956 by Herbert L. Spencer, executive director, Samuel H. Kress Foundation, states the Trivulzio collection of nielli and enamels were given by Samuel H. Kress to the Foundation on 27 September 1950; original in National Gallery of Art Archives. Secretary and General Counsel Records – Major Donor Files; copy in NGA curatorial files.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1874

  • Esposizione storica dell’arte industriale, Salone dei Giardini di Porta Venezia, Milan, 1874.

Bibliography

1881

  • Rossi, Giulio. Catalogo delle Fotografie pubblicate dalla Stabilimento di Giulio Rossi, Pittore- Fotografo. Riproduzioni di Oggetti d'Arte Antica esposti alla Mostra del 1874 in Milano, 1881:14, no. 168-47. A.

2021

  • Aldovini, Laura. I Nielli Trivulzio. Storia, Tecnica, Collezionismo. Milan, 2021: 6, 245, 277 pl. XXI, no catalogue number.

Inscriptions

Center on top of the cross: I·N·R·I·

Wikidata ID

Q63854515

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