Cristo, Carved and Painted, on Black Carved Wooden Cross

Majel G. Claflin

National Gallery of Art

This is a painting of a crucifixion scene. The painting depicts a figure on a cross with a crown of thorns, displaying contorted form and nails in its arms. The skin of the figure shows red patches, suggesting wounds. The figure's head is tilted with closed eyes, a green cloth is wrapped around its midsection. The background is a plain light color, emphasizing the figure and the cross. The style is reminiscent of José Clemente Orozco, with expressive forms and a focus on human suffering.