Crucifixion

This engraving is based on an important painting by the Florence-based Flemish Mannerist, Jan Van der Straet (a.k.a. Stradanus) (1523-1605), in the basilica of Santissima Annunziata, Florence (1569). Unlike another version of the same painting also engraved by Philips Galle, this print depicts the large painting in situ, with surrounding paintings of apostles and angels, and an oculus directly above it.

In the painting, faithfully rendered by Galle, Van der Straet demonstrates the theological subtleties associated with depicting Jesus’s death following the Catholic Council of Trent and the associated Counter Reformation movement, which required artists to paint clearly recognisable and 'readable' narratives directly from the Bible. The renovation of Santissima Annunziata, incorporating Van der Straet's painting, was part of a citywide project to modernise chapels and reemphasise the teaching of biblical stories through art. Employing his Mannerist style, Van der Straet broke from the conventional depictions of the crucifixion to dramatically capture the moment in Luke’s narrative when Jesus says to the repentant thief, 'Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise' (Luke 23:43).

Van der Straet and Galle were Flemish compatriots. Galle produced and published numerous prints after Van der Straet's works, including the famous Hunting Scenes represented in Te Papa's collection by Catching swallows from rooftops using discs.

See: https://www.bibleodyssey.org/en/tools/image-gallery/c/crucifixion-stradano.aspx

Dr Mark Stocker  Curator, Historical International Art   August 2018