“The Passion,” a religious painting by Hans Holbein the Younger, was created around 1525 in Germany. Utilizing oil on panel as the medium, this artwork belongs to the Northern Renaissance art movement. Measuring 31 x 136 cm, it presents a vivid tableau rooted in religious themes.
The artwork is an intricate and detailed multi-paneled piece depicting various scenes from the Passion of Christ, including the arrest, trial, crucifixion, and entombment. Each panel is meticulously crafted, highlighting Holbein’s masterful use of light, shadow, and composition to convey intense emotion and drama. The upper panels contrast the turmoil and chaos of the arrest and trial with the solemnity of the crucifixion, while the lower panels portray the moment Christ is led carrying the cross and the aftermath of the crucifixion. Rich in both narrative and visual complexity, it exemplifies the Northern Renaissance’s attention to detail and emphasis on religious themes.
