Romanesque-style illumination of the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ, replicated on calfskin vellum using egg tempera and colored pigments on a 24-karat gold leaf background. Modeled after an early 13th-century English illumination from the Peterborough Psalter, folio 12 recto. This marks my second time painting the Crucifixion. The first, based on an illumination from the Potocki Psalter, is located here.
According to the Fitzwilliam Museum, the Peterborough Psalter was commissioned around 1220 by the abbot of Peterborough. In 1808, Viscount Fitzwilliam of Merrion acquired the manuscript, which the Fitzwilliam Museum inherited after his death in 1816. It should not be confused with another psalter of the same name from the early 14th century.
Unfortunately, the manuscript is not completely digitally available: the art in of the Peterborough Psalter is one of the highest quality. The Fitzwilliam Museum says “the main artist, though anonymous […] was one of the most accomplished English illuminators of the early 13th century.” Some of the artwork is viewable online on the Fitzwilliam Museum’s website here.
Recreation
My recreation of the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ from the Peterborough Psalter never meant to match the quality of the medieval artist. I created this painting as the final task of an illumination course I followed in 2024. Despite not being able to match the original’s quality, I’m more than happy with the final results. I markedly improved the technical quality of my paintings of shades, skin tones, and drapery.
Crucifixion of Jesus Christ
The Crucifixion of Christ holds a major significance in Christian theology and history. It marks the pivotal moment of Jesus’s sacrifice, where he willingly endured suffering and death to atone for the sins of humanity. This act of love and selflessness is seen as the fulfillment of Jewish prophecies and the foundation of the New Covenant between God and humankind. The Crucifixion exemplifies Jesus’s role as Savior, encompassing themes such as redemption, forgiveness, and the triumph of divine love over sin and death.
The scene of Jesus Crucifixion often depicts two women standing on either side of him.
The scene of Jesus Crucifixion often depicts two women standing on either side of him. We find their identity in the bible, in each of the Gospells. Matthews describes them in his gospel as follows:
55There were many women there, watching from a distance, who had accompanied Jesus from Galilee and had been attending on him. 56Among them were Mary of Magdala, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of Zebedeeâ’s sons.
Matthew 27, 55–56 (retrieved from Open English Bible on 21-06-2024)
Mary of Magdala, also known as Mary Magdalene, is a key New Testament figure. Renowned for her deep devotion to Jesus Christ, she originated from Magdala. Jesus healed her of seven demons, marking the start of her unwavering support for His ministry. She remained loyal during the crucifixion and was the first to witness the resurrected Christ. This earned her the title “Apostle to the Apostles.” Despite later misconceptions, Mary Magdalene’s story is one of transformation and faith. Furthermore, her significant contributions highlight the crucial role of women in spreading Jesus’s message.
Despite later misconceptions, Mary Magdalene’s story is one of transformation and faith.
Mary, the mother of James and Joseph (Joses), is a notable New Testament figure. Called Mary of Clopas, we recognize her for her connection to the disciple James the Less. She played a significant role among the women who followed Jesus, providing support during His ministry. Mary was present at the crucifixion, displaying unwavering loyalty. She was also among the women who discovered the empty tomb, highlighting her deep commitment and faith. Her story underscores the important role of women in the early Christian community.