Art Nuggets: Frans Floris 'Crucifixion'

Frans Floris, Crucifixion, c. 1554, oil on panel, 130 × 105 cm, Wiesbaden, Städtisches Museum, Gemäldegalerie (photo: Städtisches Museum)

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The 'Crucifixion' by Frans Floris is a personal favorite and rich in iconographic symbolism and theological meaning. It's also a great example of how art plays a prominent role in theology both in showing how theology can change giving way to new focuses and ways of experiencing God, and also in showing how artistic interpretations can add to our understanding of scripture. The 'Crucifixion' allows the viewer to reflect on the narrative of the crucifixion found in John 19:25-27, the only instance in the Gospels which describes the Virgin Mary's presence at the cross, and ask what this artistic portrayal of the narrative scene brings to our understanding of the text. When looking at the artwork, what do you think of Mary? Can you relate to her emotion? How does Mary bring your attention to Christ? Are the women at the foot of the cross significant? What do we make of women as central figures throughout the life of Jesus? All these questions can be reflected on in light of what we experience through art and takes you as viewer on a theological exploration.