Peter Paul Rubens, Elevation of the Cross

Peter Paul Rubens, Elevation of the Cross, 1610, oil on wood, 15 feet 1-7/8 inches x 11 feet 1-1/2 inches (originally for Saint Walpurgis (destroyed), now in Antwerp Cathedral)
Speakers: Dr. Steven Zucker and Dr. Beth Harris

[@Sasha0927]

This is one of the most beautiful depictions of Jesus' body on the cross. He usually looks fragile, but there's substance to him in this one. He looks like a healthy man in the prime of his life - it almost heightens the tragedy in a way. 15' x 11' is massive - I can only imagine seeing the full version with God above it.

[@mayswildman]

I like these videos because they allow you to see the art in context. I never would have thought this painting was so large, and in such a grand setting. Keep up the fantastic work!

[@ahsokatano5866]

DO NOT CLICK THE LINK! IT'S A VIRUS AND THE PEOPLE WHO WROTE THIS ARE BOTS!

[@CarolynRobinson814]

Love the context! Thank you for respectfully discussing the religious aspect. So many “art history” videos gloss over the religious inspiration or misunderstand the importance of the artists’ religion when discussing great works. It’s refreshing to hear! Rubens isn’t Rubens without the Reformation! Thank you for your fine work.

[@firasaboud9722]

awesome, thank you, we are waiting for more!

[@cesazz]

Amazing! I hope I can view this beautiful painting in person one day.

[@tawneealexander194]

How do you know that you won't? I have a feeling that you will and when I say in person yes I do you mean in person. You'll know what that means later I wonder if there's a way that I can interview you and maybe get some commentary on what you think I'm a talk show host if I make a video and show you the link to it would you maybe make a response video awesome I really like the way you think! Keep the good attitude brothers and sisters in Christ we are Semper Fi, Tawnee Alexander TV radio personality with On the Inside

[@cassior7460]

Thankyou so much for this video.

[@medealomidze9639]

thanks for thoose beautiful videos

[@AntonioFellini1]

Excellent. Thank you.

[@cdmnumber3fan]

Just wanted to say thanks for all your great work! :)

[@smarthistory-art-history]

Thanks for reaching out, we appreciate it.

[@henboker3]

Beyond words

[@smarthistory-art-history]

It is breathtaking in person.

[@strangecore4]

Yet another amazing video. Thank you for all the high quality, engaging, and insightful topics. Are there any visual references for the original situ you describe here? That must have been a truly epic, Baroque-style space. Extremely polarized to the stripped down (iconoclastic) Protestant churches nearby.

[@tiberiusgracchus8821]

Rubens nunca frasca pintar las escenas emocionales con la apta fuerza.

[@eggheadusa9900]

What’s the symbolism behind the channels profile picture?

[@arrans]

Great commentary, but the whispering is a bit distracting. Are they supposed to be in the cathedral, reverently speaking in front of the painting?

[@smarthistory-art-history]

We record in front of the work of art. So yes, we recorded this in the cathedral in Antwerp. In my photographs in the video you may notice a worshiper-the Cathedral remains a sacred space and so we keep our voices low.

[@pjohnnyboy7]

Was the image of God that was above this destroyed with the church?

[@rebelslady79]

if a person was to say obtain one of his painting's who would they contact ?

[@kassiearnold9416]

eBay, you could get a copy. to get an actual painting by him even in his time was very costly. now it's impossible unless you had family there at this time, that was rich and of high status. they may have commissioned a painting and kept it through the years. other than that you can only get copies :)

[@rebelslady79]

Kassie Arnold perhaps you misunderstood my question if a person somehow gets a hold of a genuine original painting of peter Paul rebuen who would they contact?

[@kassiearnold9416]

Art historian (preferably one who specializes in Rubens studies) or a art museum, you would need to get it checked by one of them for authenticity. Then if it is proven to be real you would probably get offers from museums for them to buy it from you or you could donate or keep it. I don't know anyone specifically though, sorry. You would need to research a art museum or art historian and send them an inquiry.

[@DermNerd808]

The shading is reminiscent of Caravaggio's technique...

[@williambusby146]

why are they whispering?

[@smarthistory-art-history]

We kept our voices low because we recorded this in a church where there were others in quiet prayer.

[@elvenblood]

does talking like that hurt your throught? Great vid.

[@michaelboylan5308]

Why is this guy whispering like that ? Who are they talking to ? Have they been secretly recorded on tape ?

[@smarthistory-art-history]

Ha! We record on location, in this case a church-complete with worshippers, thus our used voices.

[@nelsonx5326]

Rubens.

[@Drumsgoon]

Great! Only minor thing that could be improved is the delivery: the topic is interesting, no need to create this atmosphere of tension.

[@masaimanic4836]

sorry I disagree. the tension is engaging.

[@strangecore4]

They might actually be in that church and needing to whisper. Is that the tension you’re referring to?

[@almeggs3247]

“During the ritual of the Eucharist of the Catholics”? Could you be more careful with your choice of words?