The White Crucifix

Mediums: oil, canvas.
Location: Art Institute of Chicago (the USA).

One of the best philosophical and tragic paintings of the artist. The apocalyptic palette became the leading one in the works of the prewar years. This is not so much a variation on the theme of crucifixion, but a whole story with scenes of Jewish pogroms. The author had never expressed a terrible feeling with such force and fullness since the paintings were created during the times of “Crystal Nights” – a series of methodical murders arranged by the Nazis. A ray of light illuminating Christ symbolizes the destruction of death. In the face of the Savior, “calm torment, full of hope,” as the archbishop of Buenos Aires said about the story, highly appreciating the picture.