A fine pair of Chinese grisaille 'Crucifixion' plates, Qianlong, ca. 1740-1760

Dia.: 23 cm

 Ref.: 
- Sotheby's, London, May 19, 2021, lot 249, for a (single) similar example. (sold GBP 2.772) (link)
- Christie's, London, January 24, 2012, lot 92, for a (single) similar example. (sold USD 2.250) (link)
- Rijksmuseum, Netherlands, registration no. AK-NM-6411 for an almost identical example. (link)
- The British Museum, London, registration no. Franks.920.+ for a similar example. (link)
- 'China for the West', Volume I, by David Howard and John Ayers, p. 318 and 319 for a similar example.

This plate is part of a series that classically depicts the Nativity, the Crucifixion, and the Resurrection. Variations exist, including versions with different borders as well as a  polychrome series. The original engraving for this series was created by the Amsterdam artist Jan Luiken (1649-1712) and was included in a Lutheran Bible from the 18th century. (see scan)

The centre portrays the Crucifixion scene; Christ crowned with a halo and thorns, nailed upon a cross and above is the traditional caption INRI: Iesus Nazarenus Rex ludaeorum (Jesus of Nazareth King of the Jews). He is flanked by two crucified thieves, to his left and right are the Virgin Mary and St. John. A Roman centurion (presumably Longinus) speaks to Christ, while four soldiers (on the foreground) dice for the robe.

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