The Crucifixion with a Carthusian Monk

JPG • 2516 × 3400 PX • 2.5 MB
Curatorial Notes

This painting shows a Carthusian monk kneeling in devotion and prayer before the Crucifixion. It is likely that this panel was intended for the cell of a monk in an unknown monastery. The Carthusians were particularly devoted to the Passion and Crucifixion of Christ, and devotional images were provided for each monk’s cell. The Carthusian order was founded by Saint Bruno in 1084 with the purpose of providing the strictest separation from the world. The first Carthusians were dedicated to contemplation through silence, prayer, poverty, penance, and almost continuous occupancy of a solitary cell. The solitary life could only be maintained through the establishment of separate cell houses. Each community of monks was limited to the apostolic number of 12, though exceptions were sometimes made. They were recognized by their white, full-length, cowled habit called the scapular, shown here. The artist has not been identified.

Artwork Identification

Title The Crucifixion with a Carthusian Monk
Title (PT) A crucificação com um monge cartuxo
Title (ES) La crucifixión con un monje cartujo
Artist Rogier van der Weyden
Artist Bio Rogier van der Weyden (Flemish, c. 1399–1464)
Date 1460
Work Type Painting

Location & Collection

License Creative Commons Public Domain Mark 1.0
Ars Sancta