Unknown artist – Maria Magdalena bij het kruis, 1610 Rijksmuseum: part 4

The composition presents a scene dominated by a central vertical axis: the cross itself. A figure hangs suspended from it, his body rendered with considerable anatomical detail and a palpable sense of suffering. The musculature is visible, though shadowed, contributing to an impression of vulnerability rather than heroic strength. His head is bowed, obscuring any direct expression but suggesting exhaustion and pain. A cloth loosely binds his loins, adding another layer to the depiction of exposed humanity.

Below the cross kneels a woman, her posture conveying profound grief and supplication. Her face is tilted upwards towards the figure on the cross, her eyes seemingly fixed in an expression of anguish. She is draped in flowing robes of red and white, which create dynamic folds that draw attention to her kneeling position and emphasize her emotional state. The vibrant red contrasts sharply with the somber darkness enveloping the scene, highlighting her role as a focal point of sorrow.

The background is largely obscured by deep shadows, creating an atmosphere of intense drama and isolation. A rocky outcrop rises behind the cross, suggesting a desolate landscape. At the base of the cross lies a skull, a traditional memento mori symbol reminding viewers of mortality and the transience of life. Scattered around the base are fragments of pottery or broken vessels, adding to the sense of ruin and loss.

The artist employs chiaroscuro – a dramatic contrast between light and dark – to heighten the emotional impact of the scene. The figure on the cross is illuminated by a strong, unseen light source, drawing attention to his suffering while leaving much of the surrounding area in shadow. This technique not only creates visual drama but also serves to emphasize the spiritual significance of the event being depicted.

Subtly, the painting explores themes of faith, sacrifice, and mourning. The woman’s posture suggests a deep devotion and empathy for the figure on the cross, while the skull serves as a stark reminder of human mortality. The overall effect is one of profound sadness and contemplation, inviting viewers to reflect on the nature of suffering and redemption. The limited palette – primarily dark tones punctuated by the red of the woman’s robes and the pale flesh of the crucified figure – contributes to the paintings somber mood and reinforces its thematic concerns.