The Crucified Christ between the Virgin and Saint John the Evangelist

The Crucified Christ between the Virgin and Saint John the Evangelist

Artist: Lorenzo Monaco (Piero di Giovanni)

Year: 1409

Medium: Tempera on wood, gold ground

Artistic and Historical Impact

The painting "The Crucified Christ between the Virgin and Saint John the Evangelist" exemplifies Lorenzo Monaco's mastery of the International Gothic style, characterized by its elegant figures and rich use of color. The use of a gold ground is indicative of the period's emphasis on divine light and spiritual transcendence. This work reflects the transition from the Gothic to the early Renaissance, showcasing Monaco's ability to blend traditional iconography with emerging artistic trends. The composition's emotional intensity is heightened by the expressive gestures of the Virgin and Saint John, which was innovative for its time. Lorenzo Monaco, originally a Camaldolese monk, was a prominent figure in Florentine art, and his works significantly influenced the development of religious painting in the early 15th century.

The Crucified Christ between the Virgin and Saint John the Evangelist

The painting titled "The Crucified Christ between the Virgin and Saint John the Evangelist" by Lorenzo Monaco, created in 1409, is executed using tempera on wood with a gold ground. This artwork exemplifies the International Gothic style, characterized by its elegant figures and rich use of color and gold, and it depicts a poignant religious scene with Christ on the cross flanked by the Virgin Mary and Saint John the Evangelist.