The crucifixion in photography

Originating in the late fifth century ad, the image of the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ was one of the most popular and varied subjects in Western art. Its predominance continued for over 1200 years. However, in the late seventeenth century, it suffered an unexpected demise because of the rise of the middle class, and the emergence of materialism, rationalism, and anti-clericalism. Rembrandt was the last major artist to paint this theme, and for almost two hundred years afterwards no major artists concerned themselves with this powerful and poignant subject. From the middle'to the late nineteenth century a revival of the Crucifixion began with French artists such as Eugene De1acroix, Gustave Moreau, Paul Gauguin and the American painter and photographer, Thomas Eakins, among others, reviving the theme. This interest has surprisingly continued into the twentieth century and major painters such as Marc Chagall, Pablo Picasso, Paul Delvaux, and Salvador Dali among others have found new meaning in the Crucifixion

Art · Art history · Demise · Painting · PICASSO · Historical and Architectural Studies · Religious Tourism and Spaces

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