The Cleveland Museum of Art
Collection Online as of December 26, 2025
The Crucifixion
1500s
(Italian, 1467–1528)
Overall: 11.6 x 8 cm (4 9/16 x 3 1/8 in.)
Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Sherman E. Lee 1977.147
Location: Not on view
Description
Moderno's Crucifixion demonstrates his ability to create rhythmic and dramatic compositions on a small scale. The writhing of the crowded figures and tortuous thieves is counterbalanced by the strong, classical body of Christ on the towering vertical of the cross. As the emotional and structural apex of the relief, the serenity of Christ's passing recalls his divine promise of salvation. The Crucifixion was one of Moderno's most popular designs and, after his death, his son Giambattista continued to reissue and rework his father's compositions from the family workshop. These plaquettes were so widely appreciated and influential that there are several variations and generations of Moderno's originals, including ones made well into the 20th century. In fact, another version of the Crucifixion exists in the museum's collection (1969.259), likely a later cast after Moderno's design.- Dr. and Mrs. Sherman E. Lee, by gift to the Cleveland Museum of Art, 1977.
- Year in Review: 1977. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (December 28, 1977-January 22, 1978).
- {{cite web|title=The Crucifixion|url=false|author=Moderno|year=1500s|access-date=26 December 2025|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}
Source URL:
https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1977.147