The artwork titled “Crucifixion” by Emil Nolde, completed in 1912, is an oil on canvas painting that stands as a quintessential example of the Expressionist movement. The piece measures 220.5 by 193.5 centimeters and represents a religious genre, specifically reflecting on the Christian account of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Currently, the painting is housed at the Nolde-Stiftung Seebull.
In the artwork, the central figure of Jesus on the cross is depicted with intense color contrasts and expressive brushwork typical of Nolde’s style and the broader Expressionist movement. He is flanked by two other figures who appear to be the two thieves also crucified alongside him. The visceral use of color and form imbues the scene with a sense of raw emotion and agony. Below, a group of onlookers is rendered with distorted, mask-like faces, which could represent the artist’s interpretation of the varied reactions of the crowd witnessing the crucifixion. Their elongated limbs and exaggerated features add to the overall impact of the scene, highlighting the themes of suffering and redemption that are central to the narrative. The painting is marked by a dark palette punctuated by stark highlights, accentuating the somber and poignant subject matter.
