About this artwork

Gill's first crucifix (now in the Tate Gallery, London) dates from 1909-1910. In the years that followed, the sculptor moved closer to Catholicism, before converting in 1913. Gill carved a large number of crucifixions in that year, for both public commissions and personal contemplation. This is one of the latter. Sex and religion were the main themes of Gill's sculpture, as he believed in the co-dependence of sexuality and spirituality. In August 1913 Gill was invited to carve a series of 'Stations of the Cross' for Westminster Cathedral in London, a commission which took several years to complete.

Updated before 2020

  • artist:
    Eric Gill (1882 - 1940) English
  • title:
    Christ on the Cross
  • date created:
    1913
  • materials:
    Hoptonwood stone, partly painted
  • measurements:
    31.20 x 14.00 x 3.50 cm (figure size); 54.20 x 35.40 x 4.90 cm (framed size)
  • object type:
  • credit line:
    Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, Edinburgh: bequeathed by Sir David Young Cameron 1945
  • accession number:
    GMA 14
  • gallery:
  • depicted:
  • subject:
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Eric Gill

Eric Gill