The Cloisters 

This image of the Crucifixion was made by the Limbourg Brothers. We can see the use of bright, contrasting colours and detailed patterns on the border which draws our eye to the central scene. The strong verticality of the cross divides the composition, emphasizing the human drama unfolding below against a dense backdrop. The brothers destabilize traditional representations through their use of flattened perspective and intricate detailing. The gold filigree, which edges the composition, doesn't just frame the central scene, it transforms the page into a kind of reliquary. This visual effect functions semiotically, elevating the image beyond mere representation to become an object of veneration itself. Notice also how the figures are arranged - those surrounding Christ have an almost decorative quality. This serves to blur the lines between the sacred and the secular, or the divine and the human. The detailed ornamentation of the border contrasts sharply with the stark reality of Christ's suffering. This contrast creates a visual tension that is both aesthetically pleasing and theologically profound.