Netherlands / 1460
The Crucifixion with a Carthusian Monk
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs The Crucifixion with a Carthusian Monk as painting (Netherlands · 1460).
Carthusian monks can easily be identified by the white scapular or large rectangular piece of fabric, which is joined by bands at the side and has a hood attached to it.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this painting as oil and gold on wood and credits Rogier van der Weyden (Flemish, c. 1399–1464).
The museum's collection notes: This painting shows a Carthusian monk kneeling in devotion and prayer before the Crucifixion. It is likely that this panel was intended for the cell of a monk in an unknown monastery. The Carthusians were particularly devoted to the Passion and Crucifixion of Christ, and devotional images were provided for each monk’s cell. The Carthusian order was founded by Saint Bruno in 1084 with the purpose of providing the strictest separation from the world. The first Carthusians were dedicated to contemplation through silence, prayer, poverty, penance, and almost continuous occupancy of a solitary cell. The solitary life could only be maintained throu
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtThe Crucifixion with a Carthusian MonkOriginal explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.