The Crucifixion c. 1460 - 1480

This painting of the Crucifixion was made by an artist of the Florentine School in the second half of the 15th century, using tempera on wood. Look closely, and you'll see that the artist painstakingly built up layers of paint to create a sense of depth and detail, from the figures in the foreground to the landscape in the distance. Tempera was the technique of choice at the time, involving careful mixing of pigment with egg yolk. The binding agent produces colors of remarkable clarity, but is also quick-drying, demanding a high degree of control and skilled labour in the application. The round shape is known as a tondo, and was a popular format for domestic devotional images, particularly in Florence. Note the meticulous detail given to the scene, from the garments to the faces of the figures. The artist’s labor-intensive process reflects a culture that valued craftsmanship, precision, and devotion to detail. It encourages a sense of contemplation and reverence, reflecting the social and religious values of the time. Understanding the context, materials, and methods employed by the artist allows us to appreciate the image on a new level.