The artwork, titled “Crucifixion of Saint Andrew,” is an oil on canvas painting created by Caravaggio in 1607. This Baroque and Tenebrism piece, measuring 202.5 x 152.7 cm, belongs to the genre of religious painting. It is housed in the Cleveland Museum of Art (CMA) in Cleveland, OH, US.
In the artwork, Caravaggio masterfully depicts the dramatic and poignant moment of Saint Andrew’s crucifixion. The saint is portrayed with remarkable realism, his aged and emaciated body bound to a diagonal cross. The intensity of his expression reflects both suffering and saintly resignation. Surrounding him are various onlookers, their faces filled with different emotions ranging from sorrow to awe. One figure stands out in armor, adding a touch of historical authenticity to the scene. Caravaggio’s use of chiaroscuro technique accentuates the emotional gravity and physicality of the moment, casting deep shadows and highlighting the figures in a powerful interplay of light and dark. The painting exemplifies Caravaggio’s ability to convey complex human emotions and narratives through his dynamic compositions and dramatic realism.
