Crucifixion of Christ 1510

Piero di Cosimo’s painting "Crucifixion of Christ," now in Budapest, is made with oil paint, a relatively new medium in the early 16th century. The smoothness of the paint allowed di Cosimo to blend colors and create soft effects, and to convey the folds of Christ’s regal robe. Yet the handling is also linear. The crisp edges and sharp details suggest a craftsman’s precision – perhaps di Cosimo had experience painting furniture or other decorative objects, where clarity of line would have been essential. The setting is a traditional landscape, meticulously observed. The rocks, for example, are rendered with a geologist’s eye, their weight and texture carefully described. The same is true for the distant hills and the clouds in the sky. So, di Cosimo had an eye trained to natural forms, but he also gave close attention to the making of things. This painting is a testimony to the skills of handwork, and the value of thoughtful craftsmanship.