Christ Crowned with Thorns, 1606
Annibale Carracciexpand_more
Etchingexpand_more
The Richard Lewis Hillstrom Fundexpand_more 2012.93.2
Not on Viewexpand_more
Annibale made this brutal depiction of Christ crowned with thorns shortly after suffering a catastrophic mental breakdown, from which he never fully recovered. No longer able to cope with large-scale painting commissions, he devoted himself almost exclusively to drawings and prints. In this period, his works are affecting and intimate—seemingly expressing the depths of his despair. Here, Jesus is shown in a state of anguish. Annibale’s use of insistent parallel lines for the background creates an inescapable, claustrophobic space, while squiggling lines on his tormentor’s forearms add nervous energy to the brutality that Jesus calmly endures.
Details
- Title
- Christ Crowned with Thorns
- Artist Life
- Italian (Bologna), 1560-1609
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2012.93.2
- Provenance
- Luciana Simonetti, Lugt 3616, Rome (until d. 2003); European art market; [James Bergquist, Newton Centre, Mass., 2012; sold to MIA]
- Catalogue Raisonne
- DeGrazia Bohlin 21.I (Annibale); Bartsch XVIII.182.3, i/ii; Posner 174
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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