Marcellus Coffermans
Crucifixion, Second Third of the 16th Century
Oil on Oak Pane
Gift of Mr. & Mrs. Read Mullan
1964.11
Flemish (Antwerp) Active 1549-1575
Formal Analysis: The Crucifixion
The Crucifixion by Marcellus Coffermans was created in the second third of the sixteenth century. During this time period much conflict was taking place as a result of religious and political disagreements. The art work was created during the later sixteenth century, which became known as the High Renaissance period. During this time period oil painting became very popular as opposed to tempura on wood. Oil painting allowed for emphasis with light and color along with flexibility through the technique of flowing brush work. The technique of oil painting also allowed for great detail with the use of numerous colors to create one unified color. Oil painting was originally implemented by Flemish painters and primarily consisted of nature scenery, people, and detailed items. The intricate detail of natural scenery was show throughout Coffermans Crucifixion with the dramatic sky and surrounding trees. The work was set up with a central focus towards the front of the work and fine detail in the distant view. The special relationship between the main subjects of the work and the background subjects of the work continually draws the focus towards Jesus Christ on the cross.
The Crucifixion by Marcellus Coffermans was a small oil painting in great condition aside from various signs of distress on the oak panel as a result of the many years since it was created. The artwork is fully intact and is full of detailed color still vibrant to the human eye.
The special relationship between the main subject of the work and the background subjects of the work continually draws the focus towards Jesus Christ on the cross. The painting was organized in a symmetrical and logical order, which was evident in the central subject of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and the presence of important women in his life all of which indirectly draw attention to Christ. As shown by the use of nature and other subjects that while viewed alone ultimately intrigue the viewer to look at the artwork as a unified whole because of the significance of each piece to the main subject. For example, the bold grey clouds create a mood of sorrow that can be related to the suffering taking place by Jesus Christ on the cross. Linear perspective is used by the placement of the main subject largely at the front of the work. Christ on the cross is central and largely positioned at the front of the work.
The use of color also brings forth symbolism and importance to certain objects within the painting. For example, the use of light colors for Jesus Christ’s bare skin and white clothe draws his traumatized body out from the grey color of the sky and the dark brown of the cross. Along with all of the other subjects in the artwork whose drapery are black and dark rust colors again brings importance to Christ on the cross. Likewise, the placement of objects such as the city of Jerusalem depicted in the distant background, which illustrates the rejection from the people towards Christ and his teachings, leaving him to lay on the cross as if he is not even worth their presence. The placement of Christ on the cross at the top of the work with the sky directly behind creates the connection between Christ and his close existence with heaven. Christ’s gesture of his two right fingers pointing up toward the sky also signifies his eventual resurrection to heaven.
Furthermore the mannerisms of Mary Magdalene, his mother Mary and Mary the mother of James at the feet of Christ during his crucifixion all convey magnitude to Christ. Jesus Christ’s mother Mary looks away from the suffering of her son because her inability to watch such a tragic event. Her facial expression is full of grief and creates a feeling of sympathy for what she is going through. Mary Magdalene is placed at the feet of the cross with her arms and body dramatically holding up the cross that Christ lays on. Her struggle to use her whole body to support the cross results in the falling of her elegant drapery, but her expression portrays her lack of care and views of this as a small sacrifice for the ultimate sacrifice Christ has to endure. Lastly, Mary the mother of James stands away motioning her hand in the direction of Christ manipulating the focus back to him, almost as if in homage and humility for the son of God. Each woman’s body language was distinctively utilized for the theme of the artwork.
In this manner, The Crucifixion, through its rich use of vibrant colors, placement of subjects, symmetry and perspective illustrates one of the most influential events within religious history. Each piece of the artwork is vital to the unified whole and depicts an eminent story. The use of this painting for religious purposes adequately portrays the ultimate sacrifice Christ made for people; creating the feeling of gratefulness for all of his anguish. The beauty of this oil painting is evident in the composition and detailed brush stroke that is still captivating today.
Crucifixion, Second Third of the 16th Century
Oil on Oak Pane
Gift of Mr. & Mrs. Read Mullan
1964.11
Flemish (Antwerp) Active 1549-1575
Formal Analysis: The Crucifixion
The Crucifixion by Marcellus Coffermans was created in the second third of the sixteenth century. During this time period much conflict was taking place as a result of religious and political disagreements. The art work was created during the later sixteenth century, which became known as the High Renaissance period. During this time period oil painting became very popular as opposed to tempura on wood. Oil painting allowed for emphasis with light and color along with flexibility through the technique of flowing brush work. The technique of oil painting also allowed for great detail with the use of numerous colors to create one unified color. Oil painting was originally implemented by Flemish painters and primarily consisted of nature scenery, people, and detailed items. The intricate detail of natural scenery was show throughout Coffermans Crucifixion with the dramatic sky and surrounding trees. The work was set up with a central focus towards the front of the work and fine detail in the distant view. The special relationship between the main subjects of the work and the background subjects of the work continually draws the focus towards Jesus Christ on the cross.
The Crucifixion by Marcellus Coffermans was a small oil painting in great condition aside from various signs of distress on the oak panel as a result of the many years since it was created. The artwork is fully intact and is full of detailed color still vibrant to the human eye.
The special relationship between the main subject of the work and the background subjects of the work continually draws the focus towards Jesus Christ on the cross. The painting was organized in a symmetrical and logical order, which was evident in the central subject of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and the presence of important women in his life all of which indirectly draw attention to Christ. As shown by the use of nature and other subjects that while viewed alone ultimately intrigue the viewer to look at the artwork as a unified whole because of the significance of each piece to the main subject. For example, the bold grey clouds create a mood of sorrow that can be related to the suffering taking place by Jesus Christ on the cross. Linear perspective is used by the placement of the main subject largely at the front of the work. Christ on the cross is central and largely positioned at the front of the work.
The use of color also brings forth symbolism and importance to certain objects within the painting. For example, the use of light colors for Jesus Christ’s bare skin and white clothe draws his traumatized body out from the grey color of the sky and the dark brown of the cross. Along with all of the other subjects in the artwork whose drapery are black and dark rust colors again brings importance to Christ on the cross. Likewise, the placement of objects such as the city of Jerusalem depicted in the distant background, which illustrates the rejection from the people towards Christ and his teachings, leaving him to lay on the cross as if he is not even worth their presence. The placement of Christ on the cross at the top of the work with the sky directly behind creates the connection between Christ and his close existence with heaven. Christ’s gesture of his two right fingers pointing up toward the sky also signifies his eventual resurrection to heaven.
Furthermore the mannerisms of Mary Magdalene, his mother Mary and Mary the mother of James at the feet of Christ during his crucifixion all convey magnitude to Christ. Jesus Christ’s mother Mary looks away from the suffering of her son because her inability to watch such a tragic event. Her facial expression is full of grief and creates a feeling of sympathy for what she is going through. Mary Magdalene is placed at the feet of the cross with her arms and body dramatically holding up the cross that Christ lays on. Her struggle to use her whole body to support the cross results in the falling of her elegant drapery, but her expression portrays her lack of care and views of this as a small sacrifice for the ultimate sacrifice Christ has to endure. Lastly, Mary the mother of James stands away motioning her hand in the direction of Christ manipulating the focus back to him, almost as if in homage and humility for the son of God. Each woman’s body language was distinctively utilized for the theme of the artwork.
In this manner, The Crucifixion, through its rich use of vibrant colors, placement of subjects, symmetry and perspective illustrates one of the most influential events within religious history. Each piece of the artwork is vital to the unified whole and depicts an eminent story. The use of this painting for religious purposes adequately portrays the ultimate sacrifice Christ made for people; creating the feeling of gratefulness for all of his anguish. The beauty of this oil painting is evident in the composition and detailed brush stroke that is still captivating today.
1 comment:
lovely, thank you for the interesting reading... you do a nice job of setting up the painting through a historical context of the medium - oil paint.
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