The Mourning Saint John the Evangelist
Artist: Master of the Franciscan Crucifixes (Italian, active 1260s and 1270s)
Original Dimensions: 31 15/16" × 12 1/4"
Location: National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.
About Artwork: (c. 1270/1275) "Saint John the Evangelist, most beloved of Jesus’s disciples, holds his head in sadness. According to John’s Gospel, he was present at Christ’s crucifixion, and this panel, along with one depicting the Virgin Mary also in the collection of the National Gallery of Art, was originally part of a large, painted crucifix (see Reconstruction).
The cross to which the Gallery's panels belonged was probably made for the church of San Francesco in Bologna, and has a touching story around it. A commentary written in the late 1300s recounts how a crucifix in that church had spoken to console a monk visiting from England. That monk was John of Pecham, a Franciscan theologian who became the Archbishop of Canterbury in 1279 after his return to England. The story helps define the probable dating of the Gallery's two pictures, which are not signed or dated. This anonymous artist painted crucifixes for other Franciscan churches—hence the name he has been given by scholars. Those included one at the basilica in Assisi, the mother church of the order and where Saint Francis is buried. It is likely that the artist trained in Assisi, and since all his known works seem to have been Franciscan commissions, he may well have been a Franciscan friar himself.
The two mourners would have appeared at the ends of the cross’s lateral arms—Mary on the left, John on the right. The dimensions of the two panels—each nearly three feet tall—suggest just how large the entire cross must have been. Examples that survive intact often measure 10 feet tall or more." - (National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.)
Every frame is built on site from high-quality maple, designed to complement the artwork and preserve it for years to come.
We are committed to helping artists grow. Every edition directly supports the creator, with a portion of each sale going to the artist themselves. By collecting their work, you’re not only preserving art in limited editions but also sustaining the people who bring it to life.
We're Here to Help.
Each artwork is printed on demand in a maximum print total of 100 numbered prints. Once the edition is sold out, it will never be reprinted.
Yes. Every print is hand-numbered to mark its place in the edition. Some artists also include a signature, depending on their process.
All frames are custom-built to order using carefully selected materials. They’re designed to complement the artwork and ensure lasting quality.
A portion of every sale goes directly to the featured artist. By collecting their work, you’re helping them continue their creative practice and ensuring their art reaches new audiences.