The first “canonical” depiction of the Crucifixion of Christ, approximately between 420–430 AD.

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The first “canonical” depiction of the Crucifixion of Christ is known as the Maskell Ivory Panel – The Crucifixion, dated approximately between 420–430 AD. It is made of ivory and is currently housed at the British Museum in London, under the catalog number 1856,0623.5.

Description:

Christ is depicted crucified, clothed (in contrast to the later naked form seen in Western and Byzantine tradition).

His expression is calm and serene, without any visible signs of suffering — emphasizing his divine nature.

On either side of him are the two thieves.

Judas is also depicted, hanging from a tree (on the left side of the panel).

Also present are the Roman soldiers, one holding a spear and another a sponge, elements that reference the Gospel narratives of the Passion.

This panel is part of a set of four ivory plaques, known collectively as the Maskell Passion Ivories, which depict scenes from the Passion and Resurrection.

This specific plaque is considered by scholars to be the earliest known devotional depiction of the Crucified Christ in a narrative and liturgical context.

There is an earlier allegorical (non-literal) representation of the Crucifixion — symbolic, rather than direct.

This is the Good Shepherd with cruciform symbolism, dated to the late 2nd – early 3rd century AD, found in the Catacombs of Rome (e.g., the Catacombs of Saint Callixtus or Priscilla).

In this case, Christ is not shown on the cross, but as the Good Shepherd, carrying a lamb on his shoulders, sometimes with a cross-shaped motif in the background.

Finally, there is an even earlier depiction in the Alexamenos Graffito, but this is not canonical, as it is a mocking image created to ridicule Christian worship.