Crucifixion n.d.

Jean-François Millet rendered this Crucifixion in charcoal, a humble material, on paper of modest size. The powdery, soft quality of charcoal allows for rapid sketching and easy corrections, evident in the work's loose lines and gestural strokes. Millet, known for his sympathetic depictions of rural laborers, here strips the crucifixion of its traditional grandeur. Instead of focusing on Christ's divinity, the medium emphasizes the human suffering inherent in the scene. The charcoal seems to absorb and reflect light in a way that enhances the drama. Charcoal as a medium doesn't allow much detail, and in doing so allows the viewer to consider other elements. The choice of charcoal, with its inherent connection to the earth and the working class, underscores the themes of mortality, sacrifice, and human struggle. It reminds us that even the most profound spiritual events are rooted in material realities.