On-line gallery
- Reference number
- P00822
- Author
- El Greco (Spanish)
- Title
- Christ Clasping the Cross
- Chronology
- Ca. 1602
- Technique
- Support
- Measures
- 108 cm x 78 cm
- School
- Theme
- Shown
- Yes
- Entrance
- MUSEO DE LA TRINIDAD
- Procedence
- Trinity Museum
Caressing the cross, Christ has
transcended physical pain on the
way to Calvary, raising his gaze to
Heaven with a serene gesture. The
painter from Crete transforms this
narration of the traditional Bible
passage into an image of devotion.
He makes it into a metaphor of
salvation and redemption at a time
when the Counter Reformation
exalted the cross as one of its
most eloquent symbols.
El Greco dealt with this subject on
numerous occasions, but the present
version stands out for its fluid
execution and vibrant
rendering.
In 1786 a painting on this subject
is mentioned as being in the
Convent of Saint Hermenegild in
Madrid.
Location on the map
