Crucifixion

This Crucifixion panel (c. 1320) by the Master of Verucchio belongs to the Riminese school of Gothic painting, a distinctive regional tradition that developed in the Adriatic town of Rimini under the influence of Giotto's lost frescoes in the Tempio Malatestiano. The Riminese school is characterized by its expressive emotionalism and jewel-like color, distinct from both Florentine and Sienese traditions. Now in the Fitzwilliam Museum, this panel reflects the school's particular sensitivity to the pathos of the Passion narrative.

Painted in egg tempera with gold leaf on panel, the Crucifixion displays the Riminese school's characteristic sinuous drapery folds and expressive figural distortion. The Christ figure shows elongated proportions and refined modeling, while the mourning figures below exhibit the intense emotional gestures typical of this regional tradition.