Panel with The Crucifixion from Retable

By Domingo Ram, 15th century

JPG • 2850 × 1942 PX • 2.9 MB

Curatorial Notes

Created in the 15th century, this painting depicts the Crucifixion of Jesus at Calvary, surrounded by the Virgin Mary, Saint John the Evangelist, and other witnesses to his death. On the left, Mary appears kneeling in prayer, accompanied by other women, while on the right, a group of men observes and discusses the event. The painting originally formed part of an altarpiece dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, consisting of several panels depicting episodes from his life. The Crucifixion occupied the upper section of the ensemble, above a representation of the Visitation of Mary to Saint Elizabeth and the central image of Saint John the Baptist enthroned. Although now dismantled, much of this altarpiece is preserved at the Metropolitan Museum. A study published by art historian Judith Berg-Sobré in 1980 helped clarify its original structure and authorship. Previously attributed to the Catalan painter Francesc Solibes, the ensemble came to be recognized as the work of Domingo Ram, an artist associated with the Gothic tradition of Aragon. The golden halos, colorful garments, and expressive figures are characteristic of Spanish religious painting in the late Middle Ages.

Artwork Identification

Title Panel with The Crucifixion from Retable

Title (PT) Painel com a Crucificação de um Retábulo

Title (ES) Tabla con la Crucifixión de un Retablo

Artist Domingo Ram

Artist Bio Domingo Ram was a Spanish Late Gothic painter documented in Aragon between 1462 and 1507. He worked mainly in the Calatayud region, producing religious altarpieces for local churches. In 1462, he received training from the painter Juan Rius, with whom he later collaborated on the altarpiece of Saints Justa and Rufina, commissioned in 1475 for a church in Maluenda. He also undertook important commissions for the church of Santa María in Maluenda and the collegiate church of Alcañiz. He was one of the leading representatives of Aragonese Gothic painting in the second half of the 15th century, distinguished by narrative compositions, vivid colors, and gold ornamentation. His dates of birth and death remain unknown.

Date 15th century

Work Type Painting