The artwork ‘The Raising of the Cross’ is a masterful creation by Peter Paul Rubens, dating back to the year 1610. This piece is executed in oil on panel and is exemplary of the Baroque art movement. It is a religious painting that can be found located within the Cathedral of Our Lady in Antwerp, Belgium. Rubens’s work is notable for its dynamic composition, use of colour, and emotional intensity, all quintessential characteristics of the Baroque period.
‘The Raising of the Cross’ presents a dramatic moment from Christian narrative: the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The central panel powerfully captures the strain and effort of the muscular figures as they hoist the cross, bearing the body of Christ, upward. Christ’s own form exhibits a classical perfection, highlighted by the stark lighting that is a signature of the Baroque style, emphasizing the physical and spiritual suffering at this pivotal moment.
The outer wings of the triptych add to the narrative: on the left side, the Virgin Mary is depicted in a swoon, her anguish palpable, surrounded by other mournful figures, possibly the apostles and saints. On the right wing, a sense of chaos and brutality are invoked through the image of executioners, onlookers, and the fiery steed, adding to the turmoil surrounding the crucifixion.
The potency of light and shadow, the deeply human expressions of sorrow, pain, and devotion, and the theatrical yet spiritually charged atmosphere make this artwork a compelling representation of the biblical scene it depicts. Rubens’s proficiency in rendering both the human form and the emotional resonance ensures that ‘The Raising of the Cross’ remains an enduring piece of religious art, inviting contemplation and reflection on the themes it embodies.
