The Crucifixion

The Crucifixion by Fra Angelico (Guido di Pietro), executed between 1435 and 1445, is a profound example of Early Renaissance devotional painting. This significant work employs tempera transferred to canvas, meticulously laid down on a wooden panel, utilizing a traditional gold ground that imparts a timeless, sacred luminosity to the scene. This demanding technique, common in Florentine art of the period, highlights the work's function as an object of piety intended for spiritual contemplation.

The composition focuses intensely on the moment of the Crucifixion. The central figure of Christ is surrounded by various mourners and attendant Saints. Angelico depicts Mary Magdalene grieving intensely at the foot of the cross, symbolizing sorrow and penitence. Other key figures, such as Saint Francis, are integrated into the scene, serving as powerful intercessors and spiritual exemplars for the viewer. Angelico’s mastery lies in combining intricate detailing with spiritual weight, encouraging a personal reflection on the passion of Christ.

This exceptional painting is today part of the permanent collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The survival of the delicate gold ground preparation underscores the care taken in preserving such devotional images. As a foundational piece of 15th-century Italian art, the canvas is frequently studied for its technical brilliance and theological depth. The enduring influence of Angelico’s sacred imagery ensures the work’s widespread recognition, and high-quality prints are often available, benefiting from its inclusion in major public domain collections.