Sandro BotticelliItalien, 1445–1510Mystic Crucifixion
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Mystic Crucifixion is a c. 1500 oil on canvas and egg tempera painting by the Florentine Renaissance master Sandro Botticelli (c. 1445-1510). Painted during the part of his career when he came under the influence of the Dominican friar Girolamo Savonarola (though after the cleric had already been burnt at the stake), the work has been seen as a statement upon the state of Florence itself.
Here Botticelli depicts themes from the cleric's fiery missives. Therein "Firebrands and weapons rain down from black storm clouds, and an angel of justice raises his sword to slay the marzocco, the small lion that is the emblem of Florence". A woman believed to be Mary Magdalene lies on the ground and wrapped around the cross, figuratively at Jesus Christ's feet. The shields of the angels in the picture bear red crosses, the symbol of the people
Læs videre
of Florence. The city of Florence can be seen beyond, behind the crucifixion scene in the background.
The work is held in the permanent collection of the Fogg Art Museum at Harvard University.
Med museets ord
In the 1490s, Florence came under the sway of the magnetic Dominican preacher Girolamo Savonarola. The century had been one of unprecedented innovations in art and literature, but also of loosening social mores and rampant church corruption. Savonarola railed against immorality and unorthodoxy, warning that Judgment Day was imminent and that Florence would be punished for its sins.
Læs videre
Botticelli’s brother was a follower of Savonarola, and the artist also came under his sway. In this painting, perhaps made for his own use, Botticelli incorporates themes from Savonarola’s incendiary sermons. Firebrands and weapons rain down from black storm clouds, and an angel of justice raises his sword to slay the marzocco, the small lion that is the emblem of Florence. The purified city is shown in the background, bathed in light emanating from God the Father, as white angels chase the clouds away. Mary Magdalene desperately clutches the foot of the cross, while a wolf, symbolizing clerical vice, flees from under her robe.
Harvard Art Museums
Oplysninger
- Inventarnummer
- 1924.27
I kataloget
Kilder
- Harvard Art Museums
- Billede: Harvard Art Museums — © President and Fellows of Harvard College
Imens i livet hos Sandro Botticelli
Hele livet1490–1498
Savonarola's preaching and Botticelli
From 1490 Savonarola preached in Florence; according to Vasari, Botticelli became his follower, gave up painting and fell into hardship. Modern historians reject this, and the extent of the preacher's influence remains uncertain — Botticelli's brother Simone was the clearer follower.
1498
The execution of Savonarola
In 1498 Savonarola was seized, accused of heresy and sentenced to death; these events shook Botticelli deeply.
late 1502
Isabella d'Este prefers to wait for Perugino
In late 1502 Isabella d'Este wanted a painting done in Florence; her agent Francesco Malatesta reported that Perugino was away, Filippino Lippi was booked for six months, but Botticelli was free to start at once and ready to oblige. She preferred to wait for Perugino's return.
