The artwork “Crucifixion” by Titian, dating from around 1555, is an oil on canvas and is a notable representation of the Mannerism movement during the Late Renaissance. The painting, with dimensions of 214 by 109 centimeters, depicts a religious scene, portraying the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
In the artwork, the central figure of Christ is rendered with dramatic light and dark contrast, emphasizing his physical form and the strain of crucifixion. Christ’s body is shown elongated, with his head slumped to one side, eliciting a strong emotional response. The INRI inscription is visible above his head on the cross, a common abbreviation of the Latin phrase “Iesus Nazarenus, Rex Iudaeorum” which translates to “Jesus the Nazarene, King of the Jews”.
The background landscape includes a twilight sky with a crescent moon visible, adding to the somber mood of the scene. In the lower part of the painting, small figures of onlookers can be observed, some on horseback and some standing, dispersed in the middle distance beneath the cross. This attention to detail and atmospheric perspective create a sense of depth, guiding the viewer’s eye throughout the composition. The rough brushwork and dark palette of the artwork contribute to the overall dramatic and intense expression of this iconic biblical episode.
