Crucifixion

 

Crucifixion (after Diego Velázquez), 2025
Oil and gold leaf on linen
92 x 61 cm | 36.2 x 24 in
 
Diego Velázquez painted his ‘Christ Crucified’ in 1632 (now in the Museo del Prado), a poignant and powerful depiction of the crucifixion. He opted for a black background to represent the darkness covering the land, most likely influenced by Caravaggio’s style.
 
I followed Velázquez’s composition but I wanted to situate the scene in its direct environment by showing a desolate land and a tormented sky behind the cross, instead of opting for a plain background. I changed other details based on research or inspiration, from the nails’ position to the gold leaf in the aureole.