The Bible in Pictures

Masaccio shows the giving itself: the Father stands behind the cross and holds its beam, presenting the Son to whoever steps in front of the wall. Velázquez two centuries later leaves everything else out. No landscape, no bystanders, only the Son before the dark.

Velázquez probably painted the picture for the convent of San Plácido in Madrid. He follows the advice of his teacher and father-in-law Francisco Pacheco and uses four nails, one for each hand and foot. The body shows hardly a trace of the torture; it hangs quietly, almost standing.

The inscription is written out in Hebrew, Greek and Latin, as John's Gospel reports it: Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.

The inscription is written out in Hebrew, Greek and Latin, as John's Gospel reports it: Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.

The hair has fallen forward and covers half the face.

The hair has fallen forward and covers half the face.

Each foot is nailed separately to a small wooden support.

Each foot is nailed separately to a small wooden support.