Fig. 1
1340
The Crucifixion
Pietro Lorenzetti
Tempera on wood, gold ground, original engaged frame
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York …show more content…
The painting uses red as the dominant color and the expressions on the faces of the subjects in the painting are heavily dramatic. Adding to the characteristic drama of art during this medieval period, are the exaggerations of features. This is evident in the intense spurt of blood coming from the side of Christ and the unnaturally distinct halos. In addition characteristic of this period is the gold gliding and the elaborate frame which, were intentionally included so that the piece may be used as an altarpiece or decoration in a church or chapel. During the medieval art period, most paintings were iconographic and religious hence the portrayal of Christ in this particular