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Christ Crowned with Thorns

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 605

An artist of astonishing originality, Antonello combined a Netherlandish mastery of description with an Italian emphasis on formal presentation and expression. This painting may date as early as 1470. To increase its function as an aid to meditation, Christ is shown behind a parapet—a convention Antonello appropriated from portraiture. The device enhances the effect of Christ’s physical presence and suffering: "a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief" (Isaiah 53:3).

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Christ Crowned with Thorns
  • Artist: Antonello da Messina (Antonello di Giovanni d'Antonio) (Italian, Messina ca. 1430–1479 Messina)
  • Medium: Oil, possibly over tempera, on wood
  • Dimensions: 16 3/4 x 12 in. (42.5 x 30.5 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: The Friedsam Collection, Bequest of Michael Friedsam, 1931
  • Object Number: 32.100.82
  • Curatorial Department: European Paintings

More Artwork

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Group of Draped Figures, Antonello da Messina (Antonello di Giovanni d'Antonio), Tip of the brush (or fine pen?) and brown ink
Group of Draped Figures
Antonello da Messina (Antonello di Giovanni d'Antonio)
early 1460s
Portrait of a Young Man, Antonello da Messina (Antonello di Giovanni d'Antonio) Italian, Oil on wood
Portrait of a Young Man
Antonello da Messina (Antonello di Giovanni d'Antonio)
ca. 1470
Madonna and Child, Vincenzo Foppa Italian, Tempera, oil, and gold on wood
Madonna and Child
Vincenzo Foppa
ca. 1480
The Meditation on the Passion, Vittore Carpaccio Italian, Oil and tempera on wood
The Meditation on the Passion
Vittore Carpaccio
ca. 1490
The Birth of the Virgin, Fra Carnevale (Bartolomeo di Giovanni Corradini) Italian, Tempera and oil on wood
The Birth of the Virgin
Fra Carnevale (Bartolomeo di Giovanni Corradini)
1467

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