The Crucifixion with a Carthusian Monk1460 · Study 1931.449

Context from the museum

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 through the establishment of separate cell houses. Each community of monks was limited to the apostolic number of 12, though exceptions were sometimes made. They were recognized by their white, full-length, cowled habit called the scapular, shown here. The artist has not been identified.

Museum description reproduced from its CC0 open-access record. Read the original catalog entry.

A detail to notice

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.

Observation supplied by the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Read the dimensions before the image

The selected unframed measurement for The Crucifixion with a Carthusian Monk is 29.2 cm wide and 38.4 cm high, equivalent to approximately 11.5 × 15.1 inches. Dividing width by height gives a format ratio of 0.76:1. The rectangular bounding area is 0.11 square meters; it describes the measured footprint, not the amount of paint or the monetary value.

On an illustrative 300 cm wall, the recorded width occupies 9.7% of the span before adding a frame. A centered placement leaves approximately 135.4 cm on each side before adding a frame. These are calculations by Physical Art For Crypto using museum measurements. They are not the museum’s display recommendations.

Questions to bring to your own collection

With The Crucifixion with a Carthusian Monk in view, identify one feature you can point to, then distinguish what the museum records from your personal response. Keep its medium, oil and gold on wood, in your notes when comparing contemporary works.

• Which part of this vertical composition catches your eye first?
• Would a 29.2 cm width still suit the space after allowing for furniture and a frame?
• What surface detail would you need to see in person or in a close photograph?