Dimensions support: 413 x 300 mm
Curator: Here we have William Blake’s "The Crucifixion: ‘Behold Thy Mother’". Blake, who lived from 1757 to 1827, powerfully captures a pivotal religious scene. Editor: It's stark, isn't it? The monochromatic palette emphasizes the emotional weight of the moment. Curator: Indeed. Blake was deeply invested in questioning established religious narratives, often highlighting themes of oppression and challenging institutional power. Consider how the figures below seem to express a collective grief, mirroring historical suffering. Editor: Note the elongated forms, typical of Blake, and how they enhance the ethereal quality. The composition, almost theatrical, focuses the viewer's attention on the central figure. Curator: His radical perspectives invite us to reconsider the symbolism inherent in the crucifixion and the role of motherhood within oppressive social systems. Editor: A somber, yet powerful orchestration of light and shadow; the work leaves you contemplating the artist's vision long after you've moved on.
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http://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/blake-the-crucifixion-behold-thy-mother-n05895
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In this sombre watercolour Blake depicts a biblical scene from the New Testament. Christ commends his mother Mary to the care of his favourite disciple John. They both look up towards the cross, while the other figures weep in despair. This watercolour belongs to a larger series of biblical subjects Blake painted for his patron Thomas Butts. The dark, almost monochromatic colouring, stark symmetry and upright format are characteristic of Blake’s other representations of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. The elongated forms and crisp drapery reflect the influence of medieval sculpture. Gallery label, June 2024
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