Calvary
c. 1765–1800
Medium
Polychromed wood with gilding
Dimensions
88.1 × 63.5 × 27.9 cm (34 11/16 × 25 × 11 in.)
Classification
altarpiece
Department
Painting and Sculpture of Europe
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
239143
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
This scene of the Crucifixion features realistic bloody wounds and carefully painted, agonized expressions that bring the suffering of the figures to life. In addition, the eyes of the mourners are reverse-painted glass, giving them a lifelike sheen. The gilded decoration of the costumes incorporates the so-called estofado technique imitating gold embroidery. Small in scale, this group was likely intended for use in a private setting, such as a home, convent, or monastery. This work reinterpret...