Crucifixion c. 1475 - 1500

Sigmund Gleismüller’s “Crucifixion” presents a scene of profound sorrow, depicted on a panel with dimensions of approximately 123 by 107 centimeters. The composition is sharply divided, split between the angular cross against a golden backdrop and the figures clustered at its base. Gleismüller’s use of line is particularly striking: the rigid verticality of the cross and the drooping postures of the mourners create a visual tension that evokes a strong sense of emotional distress. The restricted palette of reds, blues, and golds further enhances this effect, symbolizing passion, loyalty, and divinity, respectively. Structurally, the painting challenges the viewer to reconcile the divine with the human. The semiotic weight of the gold leaf signifies the sacred, yet the raw, almost brutal depiction of Christ’s suffering grounds the scene in a stark reality. This interplay encourages a meditation on the paradoxes of faith, death, and redemption. Ultimately, "Crucifixion" is more than a religious scene; it’s a rigorous examination of the human condition through the lens of faith and suffering.