Crucifixion from Nové Sady, called the Rajhrad Altarpiece

Master of the Rajhrad Altarpiece

Master of the Rajhrad Altarpiece - Crucifixion from Nové Sady, called the Rajhrad Altarpiece
The longitudinal panel is a half of the centre of a large winged altarpiece (the second half features the Carrying of the Cross and is in the Moravian Gallery in Brno). Six paintings have survived, five of which are in the Moravian Gallery in Brno (The Last Supper, Christ on the Mount of Olives, The Resurrection, Discovery of the Holy Cross). Below the cross, Christ’s friends gathered on his right while his enemies are depicted on his left. This scene is completed by the crucifixion of the thieves. According to the Gospel of Saint Luke, one of the crucified thieves asked Christ for intercession and was redeemed – an angel takes his soul away. The composition drama as well as harsh naturalism of the executors breaking bones of the sentenced clearly shows the diversion from the harmony of the Beautiful Style painting which is characteristic of this outstanding and distinctive painter to whom other fragments of altarpieces in the collection of the National Gallery in Prague are attributed. The brush underdrawing shows through in some places (see for example Mary Magdalene).
date:
measurements: height 101 cm
width 142 cm
material: Canvas-covered spruce-wood
technique: Tempera
inventory number: O 1584
gallery collection: Collection of Old Masters