Roy JaminiIndian, 1887–1972Christ holding the Cross
Can I see it?
Not on view at present
Where is “Christ holding the Cross” now? Collection: Victoria and Albert Museum, London. Not on view at present. Checked September 25, 2026.
London, United Kingdom
It belongs to the collection, but is not on display at present.
- Checked
- In this state since
- Source
- The museum
About the work
Jamini Roy (1887-1972) was one of the most important artists of the modern period in India, drawing on the popular and folk traditions of rural Bengal for his inspiration. He developed his own personal style which was characterised by bold lines and flat use of colour.
Read on
In this work, Christ is depicted within a rectangular fram. The subject wears a tunic and is holding the cross over one shoulder and with his hands folded. The eyes are alike in size and shape but the mouth is asymmetrical with a melancholy expression. His rather short beard has in inward curve and his dark hair falls on his back. Frontally viewed, Christ appears rather flat and impassive. The face recalls typical western representations of Christ but is executed in the style of a Byzantine icon. Under the figure in ink an earlier pentimento depicting the figure of Christ can be detected. The painting is executed with a brush and is in ink. The artist developed the theme of Christ systematically during his later years. Such themes found a ready sale with Europeans and servicemen in wartime Calcutta.
Victoria and Albert Museum
Details
- Accession number
- IS.67-1979
What it shows
In the catalog
Sources
- Victoria and Albert Museum
- Image: Victoria and Albert Museum — © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
