The artwork titled “Exaltation of the Cross (detail)” by Piero della Francesca, created between 1452 and 1466, is a fresco painting that forms part of the artistic series known as “The Legend of the True Cross”. It belongs to the Early Renaissance art movement and falls under the genre of religious painting. The artwork is currently located in the Basilica of San Francesco in Arezzo, Italy.
In this detail from “Exaltation of the Cross,” a group of figures is depicted in a solemn procession or ceremony. Each individual is adorned in elaborate garments, characterized by rich colors and intricate headwear, reflecting their significant roles or statuses. The figures are portrayed with a serene dignity, their expressions and postures contributing to an overall atmosphere of reverence. The backdrop includes part of a tree and vegetation, indicating an outdoor setting, which is rendered with the naturalistic detail characteristic of the Early Renaissance period. This fresco captures the moment with a harmonious blend of color, composition, and realism, hallmarks of Piero della Francesca’s masterful technique.
