Artwork

The Crucifixion

The Crucifixion, by Juan Sánchez, unspecified, 1460
The Crucifixion, by Juan Sánchez, unspecified, 1460

The Crucifixion is an unspecified painting by the Early Renaissance artist Juan Sánchez. It dates from 1460 and is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

The artwork belongs to the religious genre and centers on the crucifixion of Jesus. Its primary subject is Jesus Christ depicted on the cross, representing the foundational Christian narrative of the Passion. The composition focuses entirely on this pivotal moment of sacrifice and redemption, conveying its spiritual meaning through the stark portrayal of Christ's suffering on the cross.

Technique & Style

According to the Wikidata record, the work measures 232 cm in height and 120 cm in width, giving it a markedly vertical format suited to its subject.

The Crucifixion by Juan Sanchez is classified as a religious painting dated to 1460. According to the Wikidata record, the work measures 232 cm in height and 120 cm in width, giving it a markedly vertical format suited to its subject. It is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado and depicts the crucifixion of Jesus, with Jesus Christ and the cross identified as the principal iconographic elements.

The tall, narrow proportions are consistent with devotional panels of the period, while the religious genre and crucifixion subject situate the work within the traditional iconography of late medieval Iberian painting.

History & Provenance

The Crucifixion by Juan Sánchez is dated to 1460, aligning with the artist’s documented period of activity. The work entered the collection of the Museo del Prado, where it remains housed. Its creation occurred within the context of late medieval Iberian religious painting, depicting the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The painting’s dimensions are recorded as 232 cm in height and 120 cm in width.

The Crucifixion by Juan Sánchez is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado. The work, dated to 1460, depicts the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on a cross. While the painting is confirmed to be part of the museum's holdings, the provided sources do not specify a unique inventory or accession number, nor do they list any exhibition history for the piece.

Overview

Created in 1460, Juan Sánchez Cotán’s The Crucifixion is an early Renaissance panel that presents the biblical scene of Jesus on the cross. The work belongs to the collection of the Museo del Prado in Madrid and exemplifies the artist’s engagement with religious narrative alongside his later reputation for austere still lifes.

Context

Produced during the early Renaissance in Spain, the painting aligns with contemporary efforts to render sacred narratives with greater naturalism and emotional restraint. Its modest scale and subdued drama echo the period’s move away from medieval iconography toward a more humanized depiction of biblical events.

The Crucifixion
The Crucifixion, Master of Avila

Artist & collection

Portrait of Juan Sánchez

Artist

Juan Sánchez

Juan Sánchez Cotán (June 25, 1560 – September 8, 1627) was a Spanish Baroque painter, a pioneer of realism in Spain.

Museo del Prado

Museum

Museo del Prado

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Museo del Prado open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

Frequently asked questions

Who painted The Crucifixion?

The Crucifixion was painted by Juan Sánchez in 1460.

Where can I see The Crucifixion?

The Crucifixion is held by Museo del Prado.

What movement is The Crucifixion?

The Crucifixion is associated with Early Renaissance.