Not currently on display at the V&A

The Crucifixion

Print
2000 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Craigie Aitchison often treats religious themes, and in particular has produced a series of crucifixions and nativities. The 'Crucifixion' is a screen-printed artist's proof, and embodies Aitchison's style of abbreviated forms and strong pastel colours, which he has continued throughout his career.

In 1955, Aitchison was awarded a British Council Scholarship to study in Italy; here he was deeply affected by the landscape, the quality of the light, and by his appreciation of early Italian art with its simplified depiction of events.

In this Crucifixion, the simplified figure of Christ is seen almost as forming part of the vertical upright of the cross - no horizontal is shown. His image floats in a yellow space, while to the left the stylised figure of a dog (a Bedlington terrier, a recurrent motif in Craigie Aitchison's work), also floating in that space, gazes enquiringly towards it. Characteristically, the print is not signed or inscribed on the front: Aitchison does not wish any distraction to the simple austerity of the composition.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleThe Crucifixion (assigned by artist)
Materials and techniques
Artist's proof screenprint
Brief description
'The Crucifixion', screen-printed artist's proof, Craigie Aichison, 2000.
Physical description
The image shows a crucified Christ. The image of Christ floats in a yellow space while to the left, the figure of a stylised dog (a Bedlington terrier, a recurrent motif in Craigie Aitchison's work) also floats in space.
Dimensions
  • Frame height: 909mm
  • Frame width: 774mm
  • Frame depth: 12mm
Credit line
Given by Edwina Sassoon through the Friends of the V&A
Object history
'The Crucifixion' is a screen-printed artist's proof and embodies Aitchison's style of abbreviated forms and strong pastel colours which he has continued to use throughout his career.
Subjects depicted
Summary
Craigie Aitchison often treats religious themes, and in particular has produced a series of crucifixions and nativities. The 'Crucifixion' is a screen-printed artist's proof, and embodies Aitchison's style of abbreviated forms and strong pastel colours, which he has continued throughout his career.

In 1955, Aitchison was awarded a British Council Scholarship to study in Italy; here he was deeply affected by the landscape, the quality of the light, and by his appreciation of early Italian art with its simplified depiction of events.

In this Crucifixion, the simplified figure of Christ is seen almost as forming part of the vertical upright of the cross - no horizontal is shown. His image floats in a yellow space, while to the left the stylised figure of a dog (a Bedlington terrier, a recurrent motif in Craigie Aitchison's work), also floating in that space, gazes enquiringly towards it. Characteristically, the print is not signed or inscribed on the front: Aitchison does not wish any distraction to the simple austerity of the composition.
Collection
Accession number
E.263-2002

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Record createdMarch 25, 2003
Record URL
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