"Crucified Christ with Donors"

In the present day the Crucifixion is considered to be one of Ugolino di Nerio’s finest works from his mature period, imbued with the spirituality and emotion typical of his art. On this occasion the painter opted for a pyramidal composition whose top is formed by the upper part of the cross and whose base is the figures of the Virgin and Saint John, completed by a circle closed by the six angels around Christ. Christ is nailed to a schematic base painted in blue, which the artist has outlined with a fine white line. The plaque on the cross, painted in silver, possibly has the inscription INRI. Christ’s thin but muscular body is constructed from subtly graduated planes with a delicate emphasis on some aspects of the anatomy such as the stomach and ribs. The artist shows Christ as still bleeding from some of his wounds, particularly on his side, thus emphasising the figure’s suffering condition. Only the Virgin and Saint John are present at this crucifixion and their pain and suffering are conveyed by the artist with enormous restraint. Both incline their heads to the right, counterbalancing the position of Christ’s. While the figures in this part of the panel are able to control their emotions, this is not the case with the angels, whose sad faces clearly express their despair and consternation at what has happened. This sentiment also seems to be conveyed in their draperies, which fold in dynamic billows around their feet.