Crucifixion of St. Andrew

The Crucifixion of St. Andrew (c.1607)

Caravaggio’s "The Crucifixion of St. Andrew" stands out prominently among the works in the room at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Acquired by the museum in 1976, the painting had only recently been attributed to Caravaggio. After disappearing from historical records in 1653, it resurfaced centuries later in a convent in Spain and was published as an autograph work in 1972. How or when it arrived at the convent remains a mystery.

This painting presents a distinctive interpretation of St. Andrew’s martyrdom. Unlike the traditional X-shaped cross typically associated with him—a symbol that even bears his name—Caravaggio depicts him on a standard cruciform cross. It is believed that this deviation may have been suggested by the painting’s original patron.

The narrative of St. Andrew’s death is also unusual. According to tradition, he was bound to the cross rather than nailed, and he remained alive for several days, preaching to onlookers. His words began converting many to Christianity, which angered local officials. In response, they ordered him to be taken down and executed by other means. However, as he was being unbound, St. Andrew prayed to die on the cross like Jesus. Miraculously, he died at that very moment. Caravaggio captures the astonishment of the crowd in this scene—their shock evident as they witness his sudden death, just before his release.