The Crucifix by Spanish artist Gaspar Núñez Delgado, executed in 1599, and now in the Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis, Indiana. Made of ivory, ebony, mahogany, silver, and polychromy, it displays Núñez Delgado's mastery of human anatomy and human pain.[1]
| Crucifix | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Artist | Gaspar Núñez Delgado |
| Year | 1599 |
| Type | Sculpture |
| Dimensions | 67.9 cm × 8.3 cm × 36 cm (26.75 in × 3.25 in × 14 in) |
| Location | Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis |
Description
editThis crucifix, created at the turn of the century, marks a notable transition in Núñez Delgado's artistic style, from elegant Mannerism to the more robust Baroque style. Jesus's suffering is depicted with soul-searing intensity, making it a powerful devotional object. It is also quite costly: the cross is ebony inlaid with mahogany heartwood and the figure of Christ is carved from ivory. There are several splashes of color, in the red blood, brown hair, and green crown of thorns. The silver plaque below His feet is inscribed with the artist's name and year. The titulus reads "This is Jesus the King of the Jews" in Hebrew and Greek.[2]
Acquisition
editThe crucifix was acquired in 1995, by exchange with Walter E. and Tekla B. Wolf. It currently hangs in the William L. and Jane H. Fortune Gallery and has the accession number 1995.24.[3]
Artist
editGaspar Núñez Delgado was a Spanish sculptor active in Seville from 1576-1606. His style was heavily influenced by Jerónimo Hernández. He worked in primarily in wood, clay, and ivory. His masterpiece is the 1606 altarpiece of John the Baptist in the convent of San Clemente.[4]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Crucifix". Web Gallery of Art. Retrieved 2 March 2013.
- ^ Lee, Ellen Wardwell; Robinson, Anne (2005). Indianapolis Museum of Art: Highlights of the Collection. Indianapolis: Indianapolis Museum of Art. ISBN 0936260777.
- ^ "Crucifix". Indianapolis Museum of Art. Retrieved 2 March 2013.
- ^ "Gaspar Núñez Delgado". Biografias y Vidas. Retrieved 2 March 2013.