The artwork titled “Crucifixion,” created by Piero della Francesca around 1460, is a religious painting executed in tempera on panel. This piece is part of the Early Renaissance art movement and belongs to the “Polyptych of St. Augustine” series. Currently, it is housed in the Frick Collection in New York City, NY, United States.
The artwork depicts the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, a central theme in Christian iconography. At the center of the composition, Christ is nailed to the cross, his body limp with suffering, surrounded by a host of figures that include mourners, onlookers, and soldiers. The rich, golden background accentuates the solemnity and ethereal nature of the scene. On either side of Christ, the artwork portrays a diverse array of expressions and stances, exemplifying the human drama and divine sacrifice of the moment. With knights clad in armor, figures in religious dress, and an overall display of 15th-century attire, the painting masterfully combines religious devotion with the realistic portrayal typical of the Early Renaissance. The subdued colors and intricate details demonstrate della Francesca’s acute attention to both spiritual gravity and earthly presence.
