Cathedral
of St. Michael and St. Gudula

The Triptych of the Crucifixion

Description :

This triptych is the work of Michel Coxcie, born in 1499 and died in 1592. He is nicknamed the Flemish Raphaël. Indeed, he studied for about ten years in Rome and his paintings resemble Raphaël’s work in their colours, composition, and the attitudes of the characters. Coxcie was the court painter of Charles V.

Did you know?

On the left panel, you see the flagellation of Christ (as well as the portrait of the donors). On the right panel, the descent from the cross.

The central panel represents the crucifixion of Jesus. The skull at the foot of the cross indicates the place of the crucifixion, namely Mount Golgotha, so called because it has the shape of a skull.
At the bottom left of the central panel, the Virgin Mary, wearing a blue cloak, is weeping. She is comforted by Mary of Cleophas, the mother of the apostle James the Lesser.
Behind her, it is Saint John the Evangelist and his mother, Mary Salome, who lament. At the foot of the cross, Mary Magdalene (known as Mary of Magdala) prays. She is a disciple of Jesus who follows him until his last days.

To the right of the cross, soldiers are casting lots for Christ’s garment. If the side panels were closed, you would discover two other scenes: the crowning with thorns of Christ and Jesus carrying the cross.

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