Cathedrals Abbeys and Churches

Medieval depictions of the Crucifixion

The Cruxificion of Jesus Christ features in many wall paintings in medieval churches and is a key element of illustrated religious manuscripts. The style of portrayal has altered greatly over time and location. As with other forms of religious artwork of the middle ages, it is an important visual message for the worshippers, most of whom would not be able to read. Elsewhere in Europe there are many other examples of the Crucifixion being depicted. At the time of the Wars of the Roses the renaissance was flourishing in Italy and there are numerous contemporary images of note as a result. This page provides a selection that is mainly from the British Isles. 

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Exterior painting on English Cathedrals and Churches

Coventry Charterhouse
Section of the Cruxificion as painted on the wall of Coventry Charterhouse
Coventry Charterhouse. Photo by Mintchocicecream, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Charterhouse in Coventry has an illustrious history. Richard II laid the foundation stone in 1385 and it was later owned by Robert Dudley, a favourite of Elizabeth I. In the 15th century a large fresco depicting the Crucificion was painted onto a wall overlooking the monks dining room. Sadly only a segment of the painting has surived the ages, showing Jesus’ feet with St. John the Evangelist being the most visible part of the surviving image. Despite the painting having been lost to refurbishments, additions, and the insertion of doorways over the years it is still quite notable. This is because it is the only wall painting in a Carthusian Monastery in England to have survived the Dissolution and Reformation.

Hours of Jacques de Brégilles (c.1460)
Hours of Jacques de Brégilles (c.1460)
Crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Hours of Jacques de Brégilles. Artist, Willem Vrelant (c.1460)
Muiredach’s High Cross
West-face of Muiredach's High Cross
West-face of Muiredach’s High Cross. By Adriao – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia.

Muiredach’s High Cross is a 9th or 10th century Celtic Cross at the monastic site of Monasterboice, in County Louth, Ireland. There are three crosses at the site whch are early examples of this style of depiction. The crosses face east and west. On the west face the crucifixion is shown in the centre of the cross and the remainder of the face is illustrated with scenes from the New Testament. The easter face of these crosses are illustrated with scenes from the Old Testament or Book of Revelations.

The Sherborne Missal, c. 1399-1407
The Sherborne Missal, c. 1399-1407: Add MS 74236,
The Sherborne Missal, c. 1399-1407: Add MS 74236,

This image comes from the Sherborne Missal, written and illustrated for the Benedictine Abbey of St. Mary’s in Sherborne between 1399 and 1407. The image shows the crucifixion of Christ with the Virgin Mary fainting his feet. St. John and Mary Magdalene are shown next to the Virgin Mary. In the background the two thieves who were crucifiex at the same time as Jesus can be seen, as well as a crowd of onlookers in early 15th century attire.

Turvey, Bedfordshire. All Saints Church
Fresco showing the Crucifixion at All Saints Church, Turvey, Bedfordshire
13th century fresco illustrating the Crucifixion

The fresco dates from the 13th Century and shows the Crucifixion, with Our Lady to the left. On the right the other figure is suggested as being either St. John, or Mary Magdelene.

Wisborough Green, Church of St. Peter Ad Vincula
Crucifixion. Wisborough Green ChurchThe Church of St Peter Ad Vincula
Wisborough Green Church
The Church of St Peter Ad Vincula

This image survives on the chancel arch wall at The Church of St. Peter ad Vinclula in Winsborugh Green. It shows Christ wearing a crown, a visual design to show that in death Christ revealed himself as the King of Glory. Other sections of the image show St. James greeting pilgrims, a simple means of encouraging the congregation to consider going on a pilgrimage. At the foot of the cross it appears to show the Penitent thief, a visualisation of church teachings on seeking forgiveness.

Featured ImagePicturing the Crucifixion

The Crucifixion. 14th century painting with 15th century additions in Dorchester Abbey. The image was partially restored in the 19th century.It shows the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ with the Virgin Mary and St. John to either side. The Abbey website suggests that the image would once have been behind the alter. Photography taken by myself.

Links on Medieval depictions of the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ

British Library Blog – Picturing the Crucifixion

Christian Iconography – The Crucifixion in Art: Historical Development

Hirst Conservation – Medieval Wall Painting in St Peter’s Church, Little Oakley

JSTOR – Lily-Crucifixions in the Oxford District [14-16th century]

Medievalists – The Crucifixion of Jesus in Medieval Art

Met Museum – The Crucifixion and Passion of Christ in Italian Painting

The Art Newspaper – Gifted to the English city 80 years ago, Coventry’s medieval Charterhouse will finally open to the public

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