Crucifixion 

Luca di Tommé painted this ‘Crucifixion,’ sometime in the 14th century. Painted during a period of immense social and religious upheaval, the work provides insight into the cultural anxieties of the time. Notice the figures at the foot of the cross, especially the women. They represent not just grief, but perhaps also the limited roles and expectations placed upon women in that era. The male figures standing nearby, seemingly stoic, reflect a different set of societal expectations, demanding strength and emotional restraint. The gold background isn't just decorative; it signifies the divine, highlighting the spiritual dimensions of the scene. The artist’s rendition invites us to contemplate the complex intersections of faith, gender, and societal norms. The way di Tommé captures the raw emotions of the scene, we can connect with the human experiences of suffering, loss, and devotion depicted here, transcending the boundaries of time and belief.