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Golgotha

1945
Not on view
In 1945 Golgotha was exhibited as part of the series of eleven watercolors titled The Passion of Christ in Bearden's first major New York gallery show. His knowledge of Cubism is apparent in the flattened space and angular forms, and the areas of bright color framed by black outlines reveal his admiration for the stained-glass windows of medieval churches. Golgotha was also directly influenced by Duccio's fourteenth-century <i<Maestà</i> altarpiece in the Siena cathedral. Bearden borrowed Duccio's overall composition of the Crucifixion scene as well as the poses and gestures of the figures that watch from the base of the cross.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Golgotha
  • Artist: Romare Bearden (American, Charlotte, North Carolina 1911–1988 New York)
  • Date: 1945
  • Medium: Watercolor and ink over traces of graphite on paper
  • Dimensions: 19 13/16 × 25 9/16 in. (50.4 × 64.9 cm)
  • Classification: Drawings
  • Credit Line: Bequest of Margaret Seligman Lewisohn, in memory of her husband, Sam A. Lewisohn, 1954
  • Object Number: 54.143.9
  • Curatorial Department: Modern and Contemporary Art

More Artwork

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Yarn samples for tapestry, "Recollection Pond", Romare Bearden American, Wool
Yarn samples for tapestry, "Recollection Pond"
Romare Bearden
ca. 1990
Tapestry "Recollection Pond", Romare Bearden American, Wool and cotton
Tapestry "Recollection Pond"
Romare Bearden
Pinton S.A.
designed 1974; executed 1990
The Family, Romare Bearden American, Color aquatint and photo engraving
The Family
Romare Bearden
1975
Study for "The Block" [rows of buildings], Romare Bearden American, Color marker and graphite on paper
Study for "The Block" [rows of buildings]
Romare Bearden
ca. 1971
Study for "The Block" [row of buildings, liquor store sign], Romare Bearden American, Color marker with graphite on paper
Study for "The Block" [row of buildings, liquor store sign]
Romare Bearden
ca. 1971

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