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Unknown Artist, Salzburg , Austrian, 15th century

Title

Christ on the Cross with the Virgin Mary and John

Datec.1430

MediumTempera and gold leaf on wood panel

Credit LinePurchased, 1936

Object numberNGI.979

DescriptionThis painting depicts Christ nailed to the Cross, his suffering reflected by his emaciated body, sunken eyes and the blood dripping from his head, arms, side and feet. He is flanked by the sorrowful Virgin and St John. Although they gesture in despair and grief, the mood is one of acceptance of Christ’s fate and quiet contemplation.

The finely crafted panel is a so-called Andachtsbild, a devotional image that served as an aid for contemplation or prayer. Its small dimensions suggest that it was meant to be seen close up and used for worship at home. A gilded frame is attached to the panel and forms an integral part of the painting. The artist has used the surround to his advantage, extending the vegetation and the top of the Cross onto the bevelled edge. The rest of the background and frame is decorated with gold leaf and punched ornamentation.

The painting bears resemblance to other panels from the workshop of Stift Nonnberg, a monastery in Salzburg. Based on its minute craftsmanship, scholars have suggested that the anonymous artist may have trained as a book illuminator.
ProvenancePurchased, Galerie St. Lucas, Vienna, 5 February 1936 Exhibition HistoryGotische Malerei aus Oesterreich, Galerie St. Lucas, Vienna, 1935

Centenary Exhibition, National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin, October - December 1964

Spatgotik in Salzberg: Die Malerei 1400-1530, Museum Carolino Augusteum, Salzberg, 1972

Label TextThis small devotional image was probably used for worship at home. A gilded frame is attached to the panel and forms an integral part of the painting. The artist has extended the vegetation and the top of the Cross onto the bevelled edge. The rest of the background and frame is decorated with gold leaf and punched ornamentation. The central figure of Christ nailed to the cross, with his emaciated body and sunken eyes, dominates the small composition. He is flanked by the sorrowful Virgin and Saint John, whose mood is one of acceptance of Christ’s fate and quiet contemplation.