An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
The Crucifixion of Saint Andrew1606–7
Caravaggio
Saint Andrew’s efforts to introduce Christianity to Greece in the first century CE were met with hostility from local authorities. He was sentenced to die on the cross because he refused to acknowledge pagan gods. For two days, Andrew preached from his martyr’s station to an increasingly sympathetic crowd. Bowing to public demand, Andrew’s would-be executioners attempted to untie him, but their hands were mysteriously paralyzed. Andrew’s desire for martyrdom was thus fulfilled and he died enveloped in divine light. Caravaggio’s innovative interpretation involves the viewer more closely in the event by presenting the crucifixion as intimate and private, rather than as a gruesome public spectacle. Bold contrasts of light and dark suggest the presence of God. A masterpiece of Baroque painting, Caravaggio’s <em>Crucifixion of Saint Andrew</em> is the only altarpiece by the artist in America.
Although Saint Andrew is typically associated with an X-shaped cross, here he is depicted on a standard vertical cross.
oil on canvas
Framed: 233.5 x 184 x 12 cm (91 15/16 x 72 7/16 x 4 3/4 in.); Unframed: 202.5 x 152.7 cm (79 3/4 x 60 1/8 in.)
Leonard C. Hanna, Jr. Fund
In the stillness of history, we find ourselves drawn to the poignant tale of Saint Andrew, a figure whose unwavering faith cast a radiant glow even amidst the shadows of hostility. It was the first century CE, a time when the sun cast long shadows over the ancient lands of Greece. Saint Andrew, a steadfast bearer of Christianity, stood before local authorities who were resolute in their allegiance to pagan gods. His heart, ignited with conviction, refused to bow, and for that courage, he was condemned to die on a cross.
As the chilling winds whispered through the olive trees, Andrew was raised upon his grim execution site. But even in the face of death, his voice soared higher, echoing through the air. For two days, he preached a message of love and hope, his words weaving a tapestry that began to resonate with the crowd below. Fascination turned to sympathy, and a swelling chorus of voices yearned for his freedom. The would-be executioners, witnessing this tide of change, hesitated, their intentions faltering.
Yet, in an eerie twist, as they sought to untie him, their hands betrayed them, falling limp and paralyzed—a mysterious act that seemed to echo a divine intervention. Andrew’s spirit, ever resolute, embraced his fate. Wrapped in the warm embrace of divine light, he took his final breath, his martyrdom a resounding testament to unwavering faith.
This powerful narrative, steeped in emotion, is further alive in Caravaggio’s brushstrokes. He captured this treacherous moment of crucifixion not as a public spectacle bleeding with gore, but as an intimate encounter between heaven and earth. Light and dark danced across the canvas, a bold reminder of God’s presence enveloping the scene.
In a world often captivated by the drama of conflict, Caravaggio invites us to step closer, to witness the profound truth wrapped in a simple act of devotion. It is within the shadows of his masterpiece, *Crucifixion of Saint Andrew*, that the beauty of inner strength shines. Anchored in America as the only altarpiece of his, it stands as a beacon of resilience—a reminder that even in the darkest times, stories of faith and courage can illuminate the path ahead.
About the artist
Creating transformative experiences through art “for the benefit of all the people forever.”The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 66,500 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106
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