Calvary
1550
From the collection of Statens Museum for Kunst
1550
From the collection of Statens Museum for Kunst
This photo shows a dramatic scene of a crucifixion. A naked figure is nailed to a cross at the center, arms stretched out. Around him, soldiers in armor and robes push, pull, and watch. One soldier is holding a spear, another leans on a pole. In the foreground, a woman in a red-and-gold dress kneels, reaching toward the cross. Others stand nearby, some looking up, some turned away. The dark background makes the figures stand out sharply. The lighting focuses on their faces and hands, creating strong contrasts between light and shadow. Look up chiaroscuro next to see how this lighting works.