Crucifixion - DONATELLO - WGA
Crucifixion by DONATELLO
Crucifixion by DONATELLO

Crucifixion

by DONATELLO, Bronze with gold and silver damascening, 93 x 70 cm

Sections of the garments, armour and weapons are lavishly decorated with gold. For the relief this does not merely produce an ornamental effect, but means that there is a fine gradation that increases the play of light and shadow on the surface.. In addition, the gilding produces an effect that is quite reminiscent of the painting of the International Gothic style, such as the works of Gentile da Fabriano in Florence. As a result, Donatello’s Crucifixion has been described as one of the most radical attempts to create a bronze relief art that resembles painting.

The debated Crucifixion in the National Museum of the Bargello is from the same period as the Pulpits for San Lorenzo. Despite Vasari having cited the work it has been attributed to various hands, even if it undoubtedly reflects an idea from the master’s last years.

Suggested listening (streaming mp3, 2 minutes):

Gregorian sequence

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