Circle of Anthony Van Dyck, The Crucifixion, 17th Century, Oil on Canvas

Details

Description

**Title:**
Circle of Anthony van Dyck (Flemish Baroque School, 17th Century) – The Crucifixion

**:**
A dramatic and emotionally charged … Read more **Title:**
Circle of Anthony van Dyck (Flemish Baroque School, 17th Century) – The Crucifixion

**:**
A dramatic and emotionally charged antique oil painting on canvas from the **circle of Anthony van Dyck** (Flemish School, 1599–1641), depicting **The Crucifixion**. Christ is shown on the cross with his head bowed in resignation, surrounded by the three traditional mourning figures: the Virgin Mary (left, in blue mantle and white veil, hands clasped in prayer), Saint John the Evangelist (centre, in green and red robes, gazing upward in sorrow), and Saint Mary Magdalene (right/foreground, kneeling in despair and embracing the base of the cross). The composition is intimate and focused, with a dark, stormy sky creating a powerful tenebroso effect and soft light illuminating the figures, emphasizing their dignified grief and the solemnity of the scene.

This work closely follows the archetypal Crucifixion compositions by Anthony van Dyck from the 1620s–1630s, characterized by elegant anatomy, refined drapery, and emotional restraint – qualities that made his religious paintings highly influential across Europe.

**Technique and Condition:**
Oil on canvas. The painting exhibits pronounced natural **craquelure** (network of fine age cracks) consistent with 17th-century works, contributing to its authentic patina and historical character. Brushstrokes are fluid and elegant, with soft modeling of flesh tones and expressive handling of drapery. The surface shows age-related darkening from old varnish but remains in good antique condition; professional cleaning would enhance its original luminosity.

Presented in an ornate gilded frame with elaborate Baroque/Rococo carvings (likely added later in the 18th century).

**Dimensions:**
- with frame: 58 × 70 cm
- Painting (sight size, without frame): 44 × 56 cm

**Attribution:**
Circle of Anthony van Dyck (Flemish School, 17th century). The composition, graceful figures, refined chiaroscuro, and emotional depth closely align with Van Dyck's models for The Crucifixion, likely executed in his influential Antwerp workshop or by a direct follower.

A compelling example of Flemish Baroque religious painting, ideal for collectors of Old Masters and devotional art.

Provenance:
Formerly in a European private collection; acquired on the Vienna antiques market (Austria). The object has been in Europe for several decades. See less