Object Description
Complete set of Stations of the Cross oil paintings by Völkel
German, 1909
Canvas: Height 80cm, width 82cm
Frame: Height 134cm, width 111cm, depth 8cm
Painted in 1909 by the German artist Oswald Völkel (1873-1952), this complete set of 14 paintings depicts all Stations of the Cross.
Unusually shaped, the artworks are expertly painted, each one transporting the viewer to the deeply spiritual and important event during Jesus’ walk to Mount Calvary in Jerusalem where he got crucified. Jesus, the most important figure in the paintings, is represented in bright colours, in particular highlighting his crown of thorns which represents pain.
Eleven out of the fourteen paintings are framed. The frames are beautifully carved from wood and most include Romon numerals painted on top to signify the number of the station. The canvas is framed by a giltwood border. Several of the frames also include painted titles of the stations underneath the painted canvas.
The Stations of the Cross, also known as the Way of the Cross, is a series of illustrations portraying the Passion of Jesus, the short time before he got crucified. Being one of the most popular religious objects, they can be found in most Western Christian Churches. Believers can walk the symbolic path of Jesus in what is known as the Via Dolorosa, a processional route in Jerusalem. However, for those who cannot attend such a journey, the series of images acts as a way of bringing one closer to Jesus.
Völkel’s painting depicting the first station is signed in the lower left ‘O. Völkel pinx. 1909.’ while the painting depicting station ten is signed in the lower right ‘O. Voelkel pinx. 1909’. On the reverse of one canvas, the following message is written ‘Dieser Kreuznreg nrurde / gestifitet von den Geschwustern / Kresenz Kuhn / u. Viktoria Jhle geb. Kuhn / i. Seigen / Einweihung / d.30.I.1910. / kompon.u.gemalt / osw. Völkel München’.