Sandro BotticelliItalian, 1445–1510Mystic Crucifixion
Can I see it?
Yes, on view now
Where is “Mystic Crucifixion” now? Harvard Art Museums, Gallery 2500, floor 2, European Art, 13th–16th century, Cambridge. Yes, on view now. Checked September 29, 2026.
On public display.
- Checked
- In this state since
- Source
- The museum
About the painting
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.
Read on
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
Details
- Accession number
- 1924.27
In the catalog
Sources
- Harvard Art Museums
- Image: Harvard Art Museums — © President and Fellows of Harvard College
In the life of Sandro Botticelli
The whole life1490–1498
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.
