Description of the painting by Peter Rubens “Exaltation of the Cross”

Description of the painting by Peter Rubens Exaltation of the Cross

Peter Powell Rubens started painting early. He studied on the works of Raphael, Titian and Caravaggio. However, even the early paintings are innovative, combining Italian Renaissance painting with realistic national art. Rubens chose glorification of life and religious themes as the main content of his works. The latter were claimed by the state, were written to order, and today adorn the altars of famous churches.

The Elevation of the Cross (1609-1610) is a triptych, written by the artist fairly quickly, given the size of the work. The total length of the canvas is 6.4 m! The central part of the triptych is dedicated to the execution of Jesus. But we do not see the penalty itself, but the process. The composition of the Exaltation of the Cross is large-scale, it is dominated by a complex rhythm, dynamic figures, the play of light and shadow is widely used.

Rubens differs from others in the artist by the skillful combination of colors that seem to breathe life into the painted pictures. The impression from viewing the plot is as if you feel how every muscle of men stiffens up and they lift the tree with the body. Their postures are dynamic, muscles play by force, faces are written clearly and vividly.

From the expressions of the eyes, you can see that they are trying and satisfied with how the installation of the cross is progressing. The figure of Jesus is painted masterfully, highlighted by light, as if in contrast to the black and red clothes of tyrants. Rubens destroyed the isolation of individual images, its composition is harmonious, there are no stand-alone characters. The right and left sides of the picture are interrelated. On the left side, the grieving women together with Mary and Joseph pray for the salvation of Jesus. On the right – the preparation of the execution of two criminals surrounded by several soldiers. In this way,


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Description of the painting by Peter Rubens “Exaltation of the Cross”