| Crucifix by Cimabue at Arezzo | |
|---|---|
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| Artist | Cimabue |
| Year | 1267-71 |
| Medium | Distemper and gold on wood panel |
| Dimensions | 336 cm × 267 cm (132 in × 105 in) |
| Location | Basilica of San Domenico, Arezzo |
The Crucifix by Cimabue at Arezzo is a large wooden crucifix painted in distemper, with gold leaf, by the Florentine painter and mosaicist Cimabue, dated to c. 1267–71. It is the earliest of two large crucifixes attributed to him.[1] It shows a painted representation of the near dead body of Christ on the cross, with Mary, mother of Jesus and John the Evangelist at either end of the cross beams.
Its importance lies, in part, in the stylistic innovations and departure from some of the prevailing Byzantine conventions of the time, towards greater expressionism (especially in its portrayal of the agonies of death by crucifixion), empathy and humanism.[2] In this, the work seeks to appeal to the viewer's heart rather than mind, and perhaps attempt to break the barrier between viewer and deity.[3]
The dating is based on stylistic advancements. The crucifix has been in situ at Arezzo since its completion. Art historians have established it as probably one of Cimabue's earliest works.[3]
- ^ The other is the crucifix at Santa Croce, commissioned by Franciscans. See Chiellini, 8
- ^ Giorgio Vasari considered Cimabue the founder of Italian painting. See Kleinhenz, 224
- ^ a b Chiellini, 10