Christ on the Cross, the Virgin, Saint John the Evangelist, and Cardinal Torquemada

Fra Angelico

Created:
Movement:
unknown
Renaissance
key Notes:
Spiritual Redemption, Iconographic Composition
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Dimensions:
medium:
Tempera on wood
story of the work:

"Christ on the Cross, the Virgin, Saint John the Evangelist, and Cardinal Torquemada" is a significant work by Fra Angelico, created around 1430-1435, which exemplifies the artist's mastery of color and composition within the context of early Renaissance religious art. The painting reflects the theological concerns of the time, particularly the role of intercession in salvation, as represented by the figures of the Virgin and Saint John, while also serving as a devotional piece for Cardinal Torquemada, a prominent figure in the Catholic Church.

Description of the work:

"Christ on the Cross, the Virgin, Saint John the Evangelist, and Cardinal Torquemada" by Fra Angelico is a tempera on wood panel painting that depicts the crucifixion of Christ, flanked by the Virgin Mary and Saint John the Evangelist, with Cardinal Torquemada kneeling in prayer at the foot of the cross. The composition is characterized by its use of vibrant colors, delicate detailing, and a harmonious arrangement that emphasizes the emotional gravity of the scene, while the figures are rendered with a sense of grace and spiritual reverence.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Harvard Art Museum

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Christ on the Cross, the Virgin, Saint John the Evangelist, and Cardinal Torquemada