New photography by Shannon Ruff captured with a digital camera-2007.

Christ as Man of Sorrows

Artist Albert Bouts (Netherlandish, ca.1452-1549)

Date1450-1550

MediumOil on panel

DimensionsOverall, Frame: 22 x 16 1/2 in. (55.9 x 41.9 cm)

ClassificationsEuropean art

Credit LineGift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr.

Object number71.489

Terms

Jesus Christ
Religion

Collections

European Art before 1945

On View

On view

DescriptionOil on panel painting depicting Jesus Christ. This painting follows the Northern tradition and his father's artistic style, Dirck Bouts. This is the head and shoulders of a crucified Christ, still wearing the crown of thorns. He holds his hands facing out, they expose the nail scars and frame his face. His robe is brilliant crimson, hair long and he wears a beard. His head is tilted down, his eyes look down toward the bottom right of the canvas. The skin appears translucent, the shadows and pain from underneath are visible. His eyes are bloodshot and red, blood drips down his face from the thorn and even the gold background of the painting is dotted with red. The hair is painted a mottled dark, but the crown of thorns is highlighted and detailed to show the twists, bends and sharp points.

Label TextAelbrecht Bouts Flemish, ca. 1452–1549 Christ as Man of Sorrows Oil on wood Aelbrecht Bouts’ emotionally charged close-up was originally paired with an image of the Mater Dolorosa, the sorrowing Mother of Christ (see illustration). Widely popular among the Catholic faithful, such modest two-part altarpieces were meant for private prayer, focusing at once on the human suffering of Christ and his mother, and on the cosmic results of their sacrifice. Bouts achieves this by setting his image of Christ against a gold ground—an abstract backdrop that transforms the historical figure into a holy icon who transcends time and place. All the while, he emphasizes Christ’s suffering—his bleeding wounds and tear-streaked face echoed in the hundreds of blood-red dots that mark the golden surface. Gift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr. 71.489