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Gurney, Tom. Elevation of the Cross by Peter Paul Rubens. www.thehistoryofart.org/peter-paul-rubens/elevation-of-the-cross. Meyer, Isabella. ““The Elevation of the Cross” by Peter Paul Rubens – An Analysis.” Art in Context, 24 June 2024, artincontext.org/the-elevation-of-the-cross-by-peter-paul-rubens. Pritchard, Shannon. Smarthistory – Peter Paul Rubens, Elevation of the Cross. smarthistory.org/peter-paul-rubens-elevation-of-the-cross.

Peter Paul Rubens, The Elevation of the Cross, c1620. Oil on wood. Cathedral of Our Lady, Antwerp, Belgium. Sources Consulted below:

Peter Paul Rubens designed the center panel as having a strong diagonal composition intended to guide the viewer from the bottom right corner to the focal point of Jesus in the central part of the frame. Viewers more familiar with the Baroque period will instantly identify this style in the panel, and for that matter, in the whole piece, as denoting its creation during this era. This is expressed through the overstated musculature and the increased expression of emotion on the features of those in the work.

Seen below are the Virgin Mary and St. John the Evangelist. The contrast between Mary and the other female figures portrayed in this panel is evident. Although she is the mother of Jesus, she appears to convey a sense of acceptance, in contrast to the onlookers, who are weeping. What distinguishes them from the other figures in the panel is their standing posture, which directs the viewer's attention to them.

The main focus of this panel is the portrayal of Jesus on the cross. We see the Baroque influence through the muscular nature of Jesus and also the blood pouring down his arms. His gaze transfixed above towards God. These features show the physical nature of the subject and the immense pain and suffering that the artist is trying to represent.

As a religious piece, this work would be commissioned by the Catholic Church as propaganda to counter Protestantism. It was originally created for the Church of St. Walburga in Antwerp. Religious subject matter was a staple of the Baroque period, and these pieces were intended to communicate religious themes.

Seen in this panel are historical figures evivident in the story of Christ. We see the Roman soldier escortng the two thieves who are to be hung next to Christ. The Romans were in power during this period and crucifixion was one of their most heinous method of killing used to punish wrongdoers and criminals.

Peters shows his mastery of light, which is characteristic of the Baroque period. He uses it to lead the viewer's eye through the composition. His application of light and dark was brought on by Caravaggio. Christ is shown brightly lit against a dark background. The composition shows figures that are anatomically correct with emotional intention. In the Baroque period, the faces of figures were shown in much more dramatic attribute.