Lucas Cranach the Elder
German, 1472­1553
The Crucifixion
1538
Oil on panel
121.1 x 82.6 cm
Charles H. and Mary F. S. Worcester Collection, 1947.62

For centuries, artists have painted the death by crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth, whose life and teachings are the foundation of the Christian religion. Jesus is in the middle, with a common thief—also nailed onto a cross—on either side. Mounted Roman centurions seem to hold back the crowd at the foot of the cross. In the foreground, two distinct groups are seen. On the left, followers of Jesus Christ surround the Virgin Mary, Jesus’s mother, who has fainted. On the right are the mockers of Christ. What expressions do you see on their faces?