Trinity (detail)

Oddly enough, Beccafumi’s interpretation of this noble theme, masterfully rendered by Masaccio and Andrea del Castagno a century before, is here spatially compressed. Even where his figural modelling implies volume, the impression is quickly suppressed. An indication of this Sienese master’s individualism which often borders on eccentricity may be read in the interaction of the hands. Jesus’ hands are flattened on the Cross, while God’s appear almost directly behind them, as if they were once and will again be the same hands.