Abraham Rattner (American, 1895 – 1978), Crucifixion in Yellow, 1953, oil on masonite, 45 ¾ x 35 ¼ in., Gift of Genny, Clifford, and Robert Ayers in Memory of Genevieve Schultz Ayers, AG.1987.7.1.
Rattner’s style of figurative expressionism combined traditional themes with the formal elements of Modernism. The theme of the crucifixion grew out of Rattner’s reaction to World War II. For Rattner, the crucifixion became a symbol of man’s condition. He included himself in this spiritual examination when he said, “It is myself that is on the cross, though I am attempting to express a universal theme-man’s inhumanity to man.” In Yellow Crucifixion Rattner shatters and reassembles the image of a figure on a golden cross. The brightly colored facets of thick paint and the delineating black lines are reminiscent of the Gothic stained glass windows Rattner admired during a brief residence in Chartres, site of the famous French cathedral.
“I love the fact that you have to really “study” the piece to see what the artist was trying to say. Also it is beautiful and different from The Cummer’s other works.” – Wilma
Keep an eye out every week for more visitor favorites. We will be highlighting each of the top fifty pieces during our 50th Anniversary year. If you want a more intimate encounter, stop by the museum and see these masterpieces for yourself!
