Thurston Royce Gallery of Fine Art Ltd.

   HOME      Bertoia
     Bluemner
     Dali
     Feng
     Ferjo
     Hopper
     Hughes
     Kostabi
     Magritte
     Ringgold
     Art Terminology
     Art Print Terms
     Print Proof Types
   STYLES-MOVEMENTS    ABOUT US    GUARANTEES    SITEMAP
 
 
Title Crucifixion
Artist Edward Hopper
Markings Unsigned
Medium Pencil on paper
Dimensions 6 3/8" x 4 1/4" (15 1/2" x 12 3/8", framed)
Provenance The artist, until 1967; to his widow, Jo Hopper, until 1968;
to private collection, until the present
Authenticity Guaranteed by Hirschl & Adler Galleries
21 East 70th St., New York, NY 10021
Commentary The Passion of Christ, from his death on the cross on Good Friday to his triumphant resurrection on Easter Sunday is a subject every art student at the time studied in Old Master paintings. Students were encouraged to compare and dissect this seminal theme of Western art and to copy various versions of the subject. The drawing by Hopper appears not to be a copy of an old work, but one of his own invention. The central cross with the nailed Christ dominates the space, but directly behind it is a second cross, indicated only the outstretched armpost corresponding on a plane with the back of Christ's knee. The bound feet of the malfactor in the upper right-hand corner is the only indication of the third cross on Calvary.
The solitary Centurion holding a diagonally positioned spear gazes up at the figure of Christ above him in a dramatic reconfiguration of the usual point of view and conventions of depicting this subject. The simple, unadorned background appears to have been stumped or rubbed in the areas of shadow in order to blend the individual strokes on the pencil. This technique also contributes to the general lugubriousness of the scene. This early Hopper drawing is unusual in that he eschewed his standard systemic approach in favor of a more atmospheric technique.
Thus, this sheet suggests a work executed in black chalk with its fine tonal gradation rather than the graphite pencil, which was actually used. The raking light which bathes the central figure on the cross, as well as the centurion below, establishes the time of day as late in the day or sunset. RPM
Price $35,000.00
Telephone 610-366-7300
Email info@thurstonroyce.com

 
 
Back
 
Featured Information Contact Information
 
Thurston Royce features sketches, paintings, drawings, sculptures, and limited edition prints from artists such as Bertoia, Bluemner, Dali, Feng, Ferjo, Hopper, Hughes, Kostabi, Magritte, and Ringgold
 
 
 
Designed and Maintained By Strategic Solutions