Crucifix 1917

Curator: This striking wood engraving titled "Crucifix" is by Eric Gill. Though undated, it resides in the Tate Collections, a testament to Gill’s unique style. Editor: Immediately, I'm struck by the starkness, its almost unsettling simplicity. The red against the cream feels very direct, emotionally. Curator: Gill was deeply engaged with religious themes and his art often explores spiritual concepts through a modernist lens. Note the geometric forms. Editor: Yes, the simplified anatomy and abstract halo almost defamiliarize the subject. It’s like a primal symbol of suffering, stripped down. Curator: The color reinforces that rawness, perhaps evoking blood or passion. The pose, though iconic, feels angular, almost confrontational. Editor: There's a tension here between tradition and abstraction. It forces a fresh look at a very old story, wouldn't you say? Curator: Absolutely. Gill challenges us to engage with the crucifixion beyond rote observation, making it a visceral, immediate experience. Editor: Ultimately, it's a powerful piece precisely because it avoids sentimentality. It's a symbol refined, raw, and unforgettable.