Artwork
The descent from the Cross
The descent from the Cross is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Januarius Zick. It dates from 1756 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The painting portrays the biblical episode known as the Descent from the Cross, in which the body of Jesus Christ is lowered from the crucifix after his death.
The painting portrays the biblical episode known as the Descent from the Cross, in which the body of Jesus Christ is lowered from the crucifix after his death. As a religious work, it visualizes a central moment of the Passion narrative, emphasizing Christ's sacrifice and the mourning of his followers. The genre classification as religious art underscores its devotional intent. It thus marks the pivotal transition from crucifixion to burial, inviting contemplation of mortality and hope.
Technique & Style
Created in 1756, Januarius Zick's The Descent from the Cross is an oil painting executed on a canvas support. The work measures 57.3 cm in height and 40 cm in width. As a religious genre piece, the artist utilized oil paint to depict the biblical scene of Jesus Christ being taken down from the cross. The painting is currently held within the Bavarian State Painting Collections at the Alte Pinakothek.
History & Provenance
The Descent from the Cross was executed in 1756 by Januarius Zick. Rendered in oil on canvas, the painting measures approximately 57.3 cm in height and 40 cm in width and depicts the biblical scene of Jesus Christ being taken down from the cross. As a religious painting, it belongs to the genre of religious art.
The work is now part of the Bavarian State Painting Collections and is located at the Alte Pinakothek.
Overview
Johann Rasso Januarius Zick’s oil painting The Descent from the Cross was completed in 1756. Executed during the late‑Baroque era, the work exemplifies the Rococo sensibility that Zick helped define. It is presently housed in Munich’s Alte Pinakothek, where it remains a focal point of the museum’s religious‑art collection.
Artist & collection
Artist
Johann Rasso Januarius Zick (6 February 1730 – 14 November 1797) was a German painter and architect. He is considered to be one of the main masters of the Late-Baroque.
