Raising of the Cross (Centre Panel of the Triptych) c. 1480 - 1500

This is the central panel of a triptych, Raising of the Cross, by an anonymous artist. The painting presents the raising of Christ on the cross, a pivotal moment in Christian theology. The composition focuses on the collective effort of the executioners, their straining bodies contrasting with the serene, almost ethereal figure of Christ. The anonymous artist, likely working within a specific religious or social context, seems to ask us to reflect on the power dynamics at play: the divine versus the mortal. The inclusion of bystanders, some mocking and others mourning, underscores the communal aspect of this event. What does it mean to witness such a spectacle, and what role do we, as viewers, play in perpetuating or challenging systems of belief and power? It’s impossible to ignore the emotional weight of the scene. The painting invites us to contemplate the relationships between suffering, sacrifice, and salvation.