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Exhibition Guide

A black line drawing on a white background shows four figures. A central figure is stretched diagonally with outstretched arms on a cross, while another is positioned above it and to the right. To the left, a single hand holding a stylized nail represents a third figure. A curved line at the bottom right of the cross represents a fourth figure. The number 11 is above the fourth figure.

Henri Matisse. Detail of The Stations of the Cross, Chapel of the Rosary, Vence. All copyright-protected works by Henri Matisse © 2025 Succession H. Matisse / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York. Photo: © Musée Matisse Nice/François Fernandez

A black line drawing on a white background shows four figures. A central figure is stretched diagonally with outstretched arms on a cross, while another is positioned above it and to the right. To the left, a single hand holding a stylized nail represents a third figure. A curved line at the bottom right of the cross represents a fourth figure. The number 11 is above the fourth figure.

Station 11: The Crucifixion

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    Station 11: Prayer

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Art Object Info

Henri Matisse

Medium:
Black enamel brushwork on ceramic panel
Date:
1951

Visual Description:

Station 11 is positioned near the left in the top row and measures approximately three tiles high and five tiles wide. In this Stations of the Cross story, Jesus is nailed to the cross, beginning his public crucifixion. The scene is divided into three distinct sections, each conveying aspects of drama and violence. To the far left, what appears to be a single forearm and clenched fist extends upwards and to the right. The fist holds what has been interpreted by scholars and clergy as a nail or stake, which will ultimately secure Jesus’ body to the cross. To the far right, a single, organic, blob-like form represents a kneeling observer. In the center, a third figure represents Jesus hanging on a cross. The cross itself is at a 45-degree angle as if it were being raised, with the top of the cross pointing to the right. A fourth figure near the top of the cross leans forward with its arm extended up and to the left, as if actively hammering in a stake.

BMA

Station 11: The Crucifixion

Henri Matisse
Date:
1951
Medium:
Black enamel brushwork on ceramic panel

Visual Description:

Station 11 is positioned near the left in the top row and measures approximately three tiles high and five tiles wide. In this Stations of the Cross story, Jesus is nailed to the cross, beginning his public crucifixion. The scene is divided into three distinct sections, each conveying aspects of drama and violence. To the far left, what appears to be a single forearm and clenched fist extends upwards and to the right. The fist holds what has been interpreted by scholars and clergy as a nail or stake, which will ultimately secure Jesus’ body to the cross. To the far right, a single, organic, blob-like form represents a kneeling observer. In the center, a third figure represents Jesus hanging on a cross. The cross itself is at a 45-degree angle as if it were being raised, with the top of the cross pointing to the right. A fourth figure near the top of the cross leans forward with its arm extended up and to the left, as if actively hammering in a stake.

BMA