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Crucified Christ with a golden halo and white loincloth against a dark background of greens and browns

Christ on the Cross

Eugène Delacroix, c. 1848

What you see

The cross runs down the center from top to bottom, its arms nearly reaching the edges of the picture. Christ hangs with his arms outstretched and his head tilted to one side, ringed by a golden halo. He wears only a white cloth at the waist. A small dark sign is visible above, and the foot of the cross fades into shadow below.

Behind the body, a greenish gray light opens up in the darkness and makes the pale skin stand out. The brushstrokes are loose and visible, especially in the background. Seek out the tiny glints of the halo, painted as short rays, and the faint touch of red at his side.

About Eugène Delacroix

Eugène Delacroix was the great painter of French Romanticism: he loved scenes full of movement, emotion and intense colour. He travelled to Morocco and Algeria, and the light of those countries transformed his palette. His free brushwork later inspired the Impressionists.

All 10 works by Eugène Delacroix

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