The artwork, titled “Crucifixion,” was created by the artist Giotto around c.1320 – c.1325. It is a religious painting rendered in tempera on panel and belongs to the Proto Renaissance art movement.
The artwork depicts the crucifixion of Christ, centered prominently on the cross, with his head gently bowed and surrounded by sorrowful and reverent figures. The background is a lavish gold, signifying divinity and separating the sacred scene from the earthly realm. Angels are depicted in mid-flight around Christ, adding a dynamic element to the otherwise somber tableau. To the left of the scene, a group of mourners, including the Virgin Mary, are shown cloaked in rich draperies manifesting their grief. On the right, an assembly of onlookers, some mounted on horses, directs their gaze towards the crucified Christ, embodying a profound moment of reverence and reflection. The use of tempera provides a vibrant yet solemn tone to the overall composition, enhancing the spiritual gravity of the scene. The artwork’s stylistic elements and devotional theme are characteristic of the Proto Renaissance period, marked by its incremental movement towards naturalism and emotional depth in religious art.
