Art Funded by you

The Crucifixion: 'Behold Thy Mother'

William Blake, c1805

William Blake, The Crucifixion: 'Behold Thy Mother', c. 1805, Tate, Art Funded 1949

This painting forms part of a distinct group of works by Blake, identical in size and format, all concerned with the Crucifixion and Resurrection theme.

It is dominated by the crucified Christ on the Cross. The mourners at the foot all hide their faces except Virgin Mary and St John who both gaze up at Christ as He speaks. The composition is near-symmetrical and largely monochromatic. Dark clouds tinged with red form the background. They were painted for Thomas Butts (1757-1845), a minor civil servant, who was one of Blake's most loyal patrons.

More information

Title of artwork, date

The Crucifixion: 'Behold Thy Mother', c1805

Date supported

1949

Medium and material

Pen & ink & watercolour on paper

Dimensions

41.3 x 30 cm

Gifted by

Executors of W. Graham Robertson

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