Crucifixion with a Crowd of Supplicants c. 1425 - 1464

This "Crucifixion with a Crowd of Supplicants" was made in the medieval period, likely in Italy, and is attributed to Bertolino de' Grossi. It is made of ink and paint on vellum. Vellum is a writing surface made from specially prepared animal skin, usually calfskin. The creation of vellum was labor-intensive, requiring careful cleaning, stretching, and scraping. The ink would have been prepared from natural materials, like soot, minerals, and plant extracts, which would have been painstakingly ground and mixed with a binder. The vivid colors came from similarly processed pigments. The detailed miniature painting shows the crucifixion scene surrounded by a crowd of people, along with musical notation. The musical notation would require knowledge of music theory and calligraphy. The value of the materials and the time required for production meant that it was a luxury item commissioned for wealthy patrons or religious institutions. The book itself represents a significant investment of resources and labor, reflecting the social and economic structures of its time. The skill and artistry involved challenge our modern separation of art and craft, inviting us to consider the social context of production.