The Elevation of the Cross

Peter Paul Rubens' The Elevation of the Cross is a striking example of Baroque art, created in 1610 as a large triptych in oil on panel. It depicts the powerful moment of Christ's crucifixion, with dramatic figures tense with emotion and movement. The altarpiece features hinged wings, which can be folded to reveal both open and closed views, and the outside of the wings contain detailed sketch and study studies. Rubens also produced a smaller oil on paper version in 1638, emphasizing his mastery in using oil paint techniques to intensify the dramatic effect.