Saints John the Evangelist, Scholastica and Benedict: Fragment of the Crucifixion Scene

Artist: Johann Von Soest (German, active c. 1465 - 1490; Johann von Soest c. 1448 - 1506)

Original Dimensions: 22" x 27 7/8"

Location: National Gallery of Art, London

About Artwork: (Likely early 1480s-1490) "This is a fragment from an altarpiece made for the high altar of the Benedictine abbey at Liesborn, and is one of three in our collection from the altarpiece’s central Crucifixion scene. The fluttering drapery at the top right is part of Christ’s loincloth, which situates this fragment to the right of the Cross. The figure on the left wearing red robes is Saint John, who, according to the Bible, was present at the Crucifixion with the Virgin Mary. John is shown here with two fifth-century saints, the twins Benedict and Scholastica. Benedict was the founder of the religious order, the Benedictines, who worshipped at Liesborn. Scholastica holds a crosier carved with the Old Testament scene of the sacrifice of Isaac; in Christian theology, the event was interpreted as foretelling Christ’s own sacrifice at his crucifixion." - (National Gallery of Art, London)