The artwork entitled “The Crucifixion” was created by the artist Duccio around the year 1310. Executed using tempera on wood, this painting stands as a notable piece within the Proto Renaissance art movement. Measuring 60 by 38 centimeters, the artwork falls under the genre of religious painting.
The artwork presents a poignant depiction of the crucifixion of Christ, central to Christian iconography. Distinctly illustrating three crucified figures, Christ in the center flanked by two others, the composition is marked by a balanced but somber tone. The figures are rendered with an emotional intensity, enhanced by the presence of mourners, including Mary and other disciples, lamenting at the foot of the cross. Hovering angels add a celestial dimension to the scene, their expressions conveying sorrow. The background, adorned with a gold leaf finish, typifies the Byzantine influence and emphasizes the divine and sacred context of the narrative. The detailed and vibrant colors, along with the expressive figures, reflect Duccio’s mastery and adherence to the evolving artistic conventions of the early Renaissance period.