Preparation of the Cross
Preparation of the Cross

Currently not on view

Preparation of the Cross,

1566–69

Ferdinando Bertelli, Italian, active 1563
after Giulio Romano, Italian, 1499–1546
1999-81
This scene represents a departure from traditional Passion imagery. The kneeling Christ is shown in a transitional moment—before he is nailed to the cross, which is about to be raised with an elaborate hinging device at the base. He is surrounded by a cluster of soldiers and executioners and flanked by two thieves, who are lashed with ropes to their smaller crosses. The graphic detail, together with the distorted poses and compressed spatial effects, are characteristic of the court artist Giulio Romano, whose design for a lost fresco in a church in Mantua is the basis for this reproductive print.

Information

Title
Preparation of the Cross
Dates

1566–69

Maker
Ferdinando Bertelli
after Giulio Romano
Medium
Engraving
Dimensions
plate: 25.8 x 39.6 cm (10 3/16 x 15 9/16 in.) sheet: 26.1 x 39.9 cm (10 1/4 x 15 11/16 in.)
Credit Line
Museum purchase, Laura P. Hall Memorial Fund
Object Number
1999-81
Place Made

Europe, Italy

Inscription
Inscribed in plate, lower right: IV • RO • IN / f. bertollif. / INRI
Marks/Labels/Seals
Collector's mark on mount, lower right: decorative motif of a half-circular scroll with rays rising from it.
Reference Numbers
Massari 190
Culture
Italian, European
Type
engravings, prints
Materials
printing ink
Techniques
engraving (printing process)
Subject
crucifixion, figures (representations), religious art, men, Christ

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