Elevation of the Cross
Factual Information:
From: Saint Walburga, Antwerp, 1610
Period: 1610
Period: 1610
General Information:
The Elevation of the Cross is a triptych painting by Flemish Artist Peter Paul Reubens. This Flemish work of art shows some of Reubens finest work, and some of the elements that he commonly used in his paintings. Among these elements include bold use of chiaroscuro, and color dynamic and increase the emotion and realism of the painting. In the middle panel, several strong men struggle to lift the cross upright with Christ on it. The left panel depicts people mourning over his torture. The right panel depicts roman soldiers pointing and ordering men to lift the cross. The chiaroscuro style and use to depict the scene take away from specific parts and add to other parts of the artwork style akin to Caravaggio's depictions of religious scenes. The use of motion and depiction of the emotional agony of some of the figures brings viewer attachment and emotional reaction.
Why This Artwork?
This artwork was chosen to show the Flemish baroque style like that of Reubens and his close resemblance to Caravaggio's depiction of religious scenes.