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The Crucifixion at Calvary (Golgotha)
Golgotha
The Crucifixion at Calvary (Golgotha)
Lucas van Leyden (Netherlandish, about 1494–1533)
1517
Medium/Technique
Engraving on cream laid paper
Dimensions
Platemark: 28.3 x 41.2 cm (11 1/8 x 16 1/4 in.)
Credit Line
Katherine E. Bullard Fund in memory of Francis Bullard
Accession Number63.1636
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsEurope, Prints and Drawings
ClassificationsPrints
Catalogue Raisonné
Bartsch (intaglio) 074; Hollstein (Dutch and Flemish, vol. X) 74; Filedt Kok (New Hollstein) 74 (I a)
State
I
DescriptionGolgotha (skull in Hebrew, therefore a burial place) is the term used in the Bible for the place of Jesus's execution. Lucas's engraving focuses on the whole site, relegating the actual Crucifixion to the middle ground. Here, with Lucas's characteristic depiction of a variety of figure types and attention to anecdotal incident within the figural groups, the impact of Christ's sacrifice on all of humanity is stressed. This very fine impression fully reveals the tonal delicacy of the image and the subtle atmospheric effects of the landscape.
Signed
Signed in plate, lower center: L
Marks
Watermark: jug with flower; verso, MFA stamp with accession number in graphite: 63.1636
InscriptionsDated in plate, lower right, in reverse: 1517
Provenance1963, sold by William H. Schab (dealer), New York, to the MFA. (Accession Date: November 13, 1963)