Before the Crucifixion
About this artwork
The subject of this devotional painting, which shows the bound and seated figure of Christ immediately before the Crucifixion, is quite unusual. The grief-stricken Virgin Mary, Mary Magdalene and Saint John the Evangelist are depicted as they would later appear at the foot of the cross. The cross is made ready behind Christ on the right. The painting was one of four panels depicting episodes leading to Christ’s Crucifixion owned by Henry III, Count of Nassau and his wife, Mencía de Mendoza. They were destined for Mencía’s castle in Jadraque, Spain.
Updated before 2020
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artist:Bernard van Orley (about 1488 - 1541) Netherlandish
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title:Before the Crucifixion
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date created:About 1530
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materials:Oil on panel
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measurements:67.30 x 85.70 cm; Framed: 87.30 x 109.40 x 5.60 cm
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object type:
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credit line:Purchased 1909
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accession number:NG 995
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gallery:
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depicted:
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subject:
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artwork photographed by:Antonia Reeve
Bernard van Orley
Bernard van Orley
Van Orley’s flourishing workshop in Brussels produced paintings and designs for tapestries and stained glass. His paintings combine inspiration from Rogier van der Weyden’s emotionally expressive work with the ideal proportions of Italian Renaissance figures, especially those of Raphael. Van Orley...