Oldest Public Image of the Crucifixion

Map

Crucifixion of Christ

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The earliest surviving public image of the crucifixion of Christ appears on a single panel (top left) of the early 5th century wooden doors of the Basilica di Santa Sabina. 

The bas-relief of the Crucifixion is one of eighteen surviving panels; ten or so are missing. The panels are made of cypress wood and date back to between 420 and 450. Although the scene is described as a crucifixion, there is no cross. Christ is simply depicted standing, with his arms outstretched, between two much smaller figures, the thieves Dismas and Gestas. 

​From left to right and top to bottom the panels depict:
1: The Crucifixion. 2: The Women at the empty tomb after the Resurrection. 3: The Adoration of the Magi. 4: Christ with Peter and Paul. 5: Christ raising Lazarus, multiplying loaves and turning water into wine. 6: Moses in the Desert, the Quails, the Manna and Moses striking the rock to produce water. 7: The Ascension of Christ. 8: The Second Coming or Triumph of Christ. 9: Christ appears to his disciples after the Resurrection. 10: Christ appears to the women after the Resurrection. 12: Christ predicting Peter's denial. 12: The prophet Habakkuk and the angel taking him to feed those in the lion's den. 13: Moses receiving the Law, removing his sandals, at the Burning Bush and with the sheep. 14: Acclamation of an important person (?). 15: The exodus of Israelites with the pillar of fire, Pharaoh drowning in the Red Sea and Aaron's rod turning into a snake. 16: Elijah ascending into heaven and Elisha catching his cloak. 17: Pilate washing his hands. 18: Christ before Caiaphas.

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Wooden Doors, Santa Sabina