The Infant Christ Asleep on the Cross (after Bartolomé Esteban Murillo)
1858
oil
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
1858
oil
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
The painting depicts the Infant Christ asleep on a cross, with a serene expression. The cross is adorned with a cloth, and the background is dark, with subtle hints of light. In the foreground, the Infant Christ's face is the focal point, with his eyes closed and his mouth slightly open. The cross is positioned behind him, with the cloth draped over it. The background is a deep, rich color, with subtle gradations of tone that add depth to the image. The use of chiaroscuro in this painting creates a sense of drama and tension, drawing the viewer's eye to the Infant Christ's face. To learn more about the artist's use of chiaroscuro, explore the technique of chiaroscuro.
