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Exhibition Guide

A black line drawing on a white background depicts a figure on a cross with arms outstretched. Two round abstract shapes below the cross represent two other figures. The number 12 is visible near the base of the cross and above the right 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 depicts a figure on a cross with arms outstretched. Two round abstract shapes below the cross represent two other figures. The number 12 is visible near the base of the cross and above the right figure.

Station 12: Jesus Dies on the Cross

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    Station 12: Jesus Dies on the Cross

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  • Audio

    Station 12: Prayer

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Art Object Info

Henri Matisse

Medium:
Black enamel brushwork on ceramic panel
Date:
1951

Visual Description:

Station 12 is positioned in the center of the top row. The scene, representing the Station in which Jesus dies on the cross, is the largest scene in the mural, measuring approximately six tiles high and three tiles wide. A few quick lines indicate a figure representing Jesus’ limp body affixed to a cross, with his head, torso, arms, and legs clearly defined. The figure’s arms extend upwards in a deep V-shape, positioning the body as if it were hanging heavily from its arms on the cross. The figure’s head tilts downward, perhaps showing exhaustion, resignation, or death. Below the cross, two loosely represented forms, painted as organic, blob-like shapes, appear to bow down, in mourning for Jesus.

BMA

Station 12: Jesus Dies on the Cross

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

Visual Description:

Station 12 is positioned in the center of the top row. The scene, representing the Station in which Jesus dies on the cross, is the largest scene in the mural, measuring approximately six tiles high and three tiles wide. A few quick lines indicate a figure representing Jesus’ limp body affixed to a cross, with his head, torso, arms, and legs clearly defined. The figure’s arms extend upwards in a deep V-shape, positioning the body as if it were hanging heavily from its arms on the cross. The figure’s head tilts downward, perhaps showing exhaustion, resignation, or death. Below the cross, two loosely represented forms, painted as organic, blob-like shapes, appear to bow down, in mourning for Jesus.

BMA