Christ on the Cross, ‘Le coup de lance’ (1620)

"Christ on the Cross, ‘Le coup de lance’ (1620) by Anthony van Dyck is a profound piece of art that captures the intense emotion and dramatic intensity of the crucifixion of Christ. This painting, currently held as a masterpiece of Baroque art, not only portrays Christ in his final moments on the cross but also presents the striking act of the lance wound inflicted by a Roman soldier, which is vividly depicted in the central foreground.Van Dyck's use of chiaroscuro— the strong contrasts between light and dark— enhances the dramatic effect and spiritual expressiveness of the scene. Christ, positioned centrally and bathed in a soft divine light, appears almost serene amidst the chaos surrounding him. To his sides, the criminals also crucified with him are depicted in varying states of anguish.The foreground teems with a mix of soldiers, bystanders, and mournful figures, including what appears to be Mary, the mother of Jesus, and John the Apostle, both overcome with grief. The intense expressions and dynamic poses of the figures around the cross convey a strong feeling of movement and emotion, drawing the viewer into the narrative. The soldier who delivers the spear thrust, positioned prominently to the right, adds a powerful sense of action to the otherwise static tradition of crucifixion paintings.