The True Cross

Date1880-1900

MediumOil and resin on bed ticking

Dimensions22 1/2" x 32 1/2" unframed; 28" x 37 7/8" framed.

Credit LineFrom the collection of Abby Aldrich Rockefeller; gift of the Museum of Modern Art

Object number1932.101.5

DescriptionChrist crucified in center foreground flanked on his right by Dismas and on left by Gestas. At the foot of the cross, a soldier dips a sponge into vinegar, while others in Roman military uniform appear in center and to the left. Their costumes are light oranges and reds in color, and they wear helmets. One man in left lower corner carries banner, and others carry spears, while one rides horseback. Right foreground are weeping women in greyish blue robes and other people in similar garb in background. Black cloud behind Christ and appears to be water and green mountain in distance. Several people in orange robes climb trees on left and look on in horror, pointing. Three crucified men wear orangish loin cloths.
Label TextA limited range of earth-toned pigments contributes to the somber tone of the scene, while the figures' deep-set, black-shaded eye sockets produce a macabre effect. The hand-cut "chip" carving on the white pine frame illustrates a popular decorative woodworking technique of the late nineteenth century.
MarkingsAbove the head of Christ is inscribed: "FATHER-/ FORGIVE/ THEM: FOR THEY/ KNOW NOT/ WHAT THEY/ DO-/ LUKE/ 23.34". On the back of the cross to the left is the name, "Dismas"; on the front of the cross to the right, "Gestas". On a banner to the far left are the letters, "SPQR", in the lower margin are the words, "THE TRUE CROSS/ JESUS SAITH.I THIRST. SO THEY PUT A SPONG FULL OF VINEGAR. UPON A REED AND GAVE HIM TO DRINK".
ProvenanceFound near Doylestown, Pa., by Edith Gregor Halpert, Downtown Gallery, New York, NY; acquired from Halpert by Abby Aldrich Rockefeller; given by the latter to the Museum of Modern Art, New York, NY, in 1939; given by MoMA to CWF in June 1954.