“The Erection of the Cross,” by Gustave Doré, is a religious painting belonging to the Romanticism movement. It forms part of a series titled “The Holy Bible.” The artwork vividly depicts the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ as described in the Christian faith.
In the artwork, Jesus Christ is portrayed being hoisted onto the cross, with his arms spread wide and his body draped over the wooden structure. Several figures, seemingly Roman soldiers and various onlookers, are engaged in the arduous task of elevating the cross. Spectators are seen in contrasting states of sorrow and indifference, encapsulating a moment of intense human and divine drama. The intricate detail and somber tone reflect Doré’s mastery in combining realism with emotional depth, a characteristic hallmark of Romanticism.
