Christ on the Living Cross
Master of Saint Veronica·c. 1420
Historical Context
This Christ on the Living Cross by a follower of the Master of Saint Veronica was painted around 1420, belonging to the mystical devotional art of Cologne. The "Living Cross" (Lebensbaum) imagery, showing Christ crucified on a flowering tree, was a specifically German devotional image type that emphasized the life-giving power of Christ's sacrifice. The Master of Saint Veronica was the leading painter of Cologne's Soft Style, and his circle produced deeply spiritual devotional works.
Technical Analysis
The oil on panel demonstrates the gentle, luminous painting technique of the Cologne school with its characteristically soft modeling and delicate coloring. The mystical imagery of the flowering cross is rendered with careful botanical detail that transforms the instrument of death into a symbol of eternal life.
Provenance
Possibly Georg Hammels, Aachen [Georg Hammels Aachen is inscribed three times on the reverse]. Dr. Lersch, Aachen, by 1895 [according to Firmenich-Richartz 1895]. Prof. P. Stolz, Bad Kissingen, by 1927; sold to Galerie Heinemann, Munich, 5 February 1927 [according to Heinemann stockcard, copy in curatorial file]; sold to Charles H. Worcester, Chicago, Sept. 18, 1928 [Copy of invoice in curatorial file]; given to the Art Institute, 1936.
See It In Person
More by Master of Saint Veronica
The Crucifixion
Master of Saint Veronica·c. 1400/1410
Enthroned Virgin and Child, with Saints Paul, Peter, Clare of Assisi, Mary Magdalene, Barbara, Catherine of Alexandria, John the Baptist, John the Evangelist, Agnes, Cecilia, Margaret of Antioch, and George
Master of Saint Veronica·1400
Our Lady with the Pea Blossom
Master of Saint Veronica·1410
Madonna of the flowering sweetpea
Master of Saint Veronica·1407
