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Black chalk on paper

Acquisition (source, method, date)
Seilern, Antoine (Count); bequest; 1978
D.1978.PG.423

About this work
The shiny surface of this large Crucifixion indicates that the drawing was probably once varnished. Such treatment and the high degree of finish suggest that it was a complete work, intended as a personal devotional image. The composition is closely related to Michelangelo’s Crucifixion drawing (British Museum), executed around 1540 for the artist’s close friend Vittoria Colonna, renowned for her deep religiosity. The awkward rendering of Christ’s anatomy, particularly the imperfect rotation of the torso and execution of the limbs, argues against an attribution to Michelangelo. (Permanent collection label)

Copyright: © The Samuel Courtauld Trust, The Courtauld Gallery, London