Attributed to the Master of the Legend of Saint Ursula, Netherlandish (active Bruges), active c. 1470-c. 1500 – The Crucifixion, with an Abbot Saint Philadelphia Museum of Art

The composition presents a vertical arrangement centered on a figure suspended from a wooden cross. The central figures posture conveys both suffering and resignation; his body is elongated and exposed against a muted sky. A crown of thorns encircles his head, emphasizing the sacrifice depicted.
Below the crucifixion scene, four figures are arranged in a hierarchical manner. To the left stands a woman draped in a blue cloak over a red garment, her expression somber and contemplative. Adjacent to her, a man with dark hair and a reddish-brown tunic gazes upwards towards the crucified figure. A younger woman, clad in green and orange robes, kneels at the base of the cross, her face tilted upward in apparent distress or supplication. To the right stands a monk, identifiable by his habit, holding what appears to be a staff or crosier; he observes the scene with an air of solemnity.
The background reveals a distant landscape rendered with meticulous detail. A city nestled within a valley is visible, its buildings and towers suggesting human civilization existing alongside this pivotal religious event. Beyond the city, mountains rise into the sky, providing a sense of depth and scale to the composition. The horizon line is relatively low, drawing attention to the figures in the foreground and emphasizing their emotional response to the scene unfolding above.
The artist’s use of color contributes significantly to the paintings overall effect. Rich reds and blues dominate the clothing of the figures, creating a visual contrast with the pale flesh tones of Christ and the muted greens and browns of the landscape. The limited palette reinforces the solemnity of the subject matter.
Subtleties in the arrangement suggest layers of meaning beyond the immediate depiction of the crucifixion. The inclusion of the monk hints at institutional religious authority observing, perhaps even interpreting, this event. The woman’s attire suggests a connection to nobility or piety, while the kneeling figures posture conveys personal grief and devotion. The distant city serves as a reminder of the world continuing its existence despite the tragedy unfolding on the cross. Overall, the painting seems intended not only to depict a religious narrative but also to evoke contemplation about faith, suffering, and the relationship between humanity and the divine.