“The Satanic Calvary,” created by the artist Félicien Rops in 1882, is a religious painting belonging to the Symbolism art movement. The artwork measures 26 x 18 cm.
The artwork presents a provocative and unsettling depiction of a crucifixion scene. At the forefront is a demonic figure, crowned with thorns, hanging on a wooden cross. Below this figure, a naked female form is displayed, her posture limp and her arms outstretched, creating a stark contrast with the dark fabric she is posed on. The background is bathed in deep red, creating an eerie atmosphere accentuated by the faint, ghostly lights of candelabras in the distance. The malevolent aura of the piece is a stark deviation from traditional religious iconography, exemplifying the Symbolist penchant for exploring darker, more esoteric themes.
