3-039-744 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

The Crucifixion; Prayer Book of Cardinal Albrecht of Brandenburg, about 1525-1530. Additional Info:The re-telling of Jesus' Passion in this prayer book climaxes with this intimate yet powerful image of the Crucifixion. Jesus hangs on the cross, suspended above the heads of his followers on the left and the Roman soldiers on the right. The Virgin Mary lowers her head in acceptance of his fate; her closed eyes suggest the depth of her grief. Below Jesus, Mary Magdalene kneels, clinging to the cross and wailing in anguish. Presented in an illusionistic architectural frame that almost turns the miniature into a small, framed altarpiece, the image focuses meditation on Jesus' suffering. Mary Magdalene, shown from behind, shares the viewers' vantage point, encouraging them to identify with her sorrow.