Crucifixion (Bellini)

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Crucifixion
ArtistGiovanni Bellini
Yearc. 1455–1460
MediumTempera on panel
Dimensions55 cm × 30 cm (22 in × 12 in)
LocationMuseo Correr

Crucifixion is a painting by the Italian Renaissance painter Giovanni Bellini, created around 1455–1460. It is housed in the Museo Correr in Venice.

The work was originally in the church of San Salvador of Venice, and is part of the Mantegna-influenced phase of Bellini's early career.

Description[edit]

The painting shows the crucified Jesus, portrayed with a very pale skin, on a broad landscape background. The deep blue sky is populated by cherubim who are weeping at his death. In the lower part are Mary and St. John.

The background shows several details, including a lake with a wooden bridge, a quarry, small houses and a series of small working figures. Such a fragmented, detailed composition was typical of Jacopo Bellini, the artist's father, and was replaced by a more coherent one in Bellini's later works. Other elements typical of his early works are the rather crude painting strokes, the thin figures and the sharp lines.

See also[edit]

Sources[edit]

  • Olivari, Mariolina (2007). "Giovanni Bellini". Pittori del Rinascimento, Scala. Florence. ISBN 978-8881170999.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)