Who painted The Christ Child asleep on a cross?

The Christ Child asleep on a cross was painted by William Blake in 1802.

Where can I see The Christ Child asleep on a cross?

The Christ Child asleep on a cross is held by Fitzwilliam Museum.

What movement is The Christ Child asleep on a cross?

The Christ Child asleep on a cross is associated with Naïve art.

Artwork

The Christ Child asleep on a cross

William Blake , 1802

The Christ Child asleep on a cross is a tempera painting by the Naïve art artist William Blake. It dates from 1802 and is held in the collection of the Fitzwilliam Museum.

About this work

Overview

Created circa 1802 by the English poet‑artist William Blake, this tempera painting portrays the infant Jesus asleep upon a wooden cross. The composition is modest in scale, set against a muted landscape of trees and water, and includes two standing figures, a woman in a long dress on the left and a robed man extending his hand toward the child.

Subject & Meaning

The work presents a tranquil, almost domestic vision of the Christ Child, juxtaposing the symbol of the crucifix with the innocence of sleep. The presence of the two adult figures suggests a protective or devotional context, inviting contemplation of the humanity and vulnerability of the divine infant within a serene natural setting.

Technique & Style

Executed in tempera, Blake employs layered pigment to achieve subtle tonal variations and a slightly textured surface. The palette is restrained, dominated by earth‑tones, soft greens, and cool blues, which reinforce the calm atmosphere. The painting’s straightforward, unembellished rendering aligns with the naive art aesthetic, emphasizing directness over elaborate detail.

History & Provenance

The piece is part of the Fitzwilliam Museum’s collection in Cambridge, acquired after remaining in private hands for much of its early existence. Blake, who spent most of his career in London with a brief residence in Felpham, produced this work during his mature period, reflecting his ongoing interest in religious themes and symbolic imagery.