The Crucifixion Triptych

The Crucifixion is probably the most iconic symbol from all the narratives of the Christian Bible and a theme that thousands of skilled artists from used as inspiration for their work over the past centuries.

Rogier van der Weyden imparts the style that he is most famous for in his version, bright colours which diverge from most of this period, and an emotional atmosphere.

Triptychs were a common format during the various stages of the Renaissance, both in Italy and also the Netherlandish regions. The central panel will always be the main focus of the work, with the side panels providing artistic support along the same theme. Perhaps the finest example of this approach would be Hieronymus Bosch's Garden of Earthly Delights which featured an extraordinary plethora of imaginative creatures spread across multiple panels.

Van der Weyden received a positive backing from the Church via a number of high profile commissions which really helped to spread his reputation across Europe. As such, you will find that many of the highlights from his career are triptychs and altarpieces, such were the requests that he was receiving. The expressive content really suited his style of bright colours and exagerated facial expressions, a style more in line with artists of several centuries later.