Crucifix (Cimabue, Arezzo)
| Crucifix by Cimabue at Arezzo | |
|---|---|
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| Artist | Cimabue |
| Year | 1267-71 |
| Medium | Distemper and gold on wood panel |
| Dimensions | 336 cm × 267 cm (132 in × 105 in) |
| Location | Basilica of San Domenico, Arezzo |
The Crucifix by Cimabue at Arezzoe is a large wooden crucifix painted in distemper, with gold leaf, by the Florentine painter and mosaicist Cimabue, dated to c. 1267-71. It is the earliest of two large crucifixes attributed to him. It shows a painted representation of the near dead body of Christ on the cross, with Mary, mother of Jesus and John the Evangelist at either end of the cross beams.
Its importance lies, in part, in the stylistic innovations and departure from some of the prevailing Byzantine conventions of the time, towards greater expressionism (especially in its portrayal of the agonies of death by crucifixion), empathy and humanism. In this, the work seeks to appeal to the viewer's heart rather than mind, and perhaps attempt to break the barrier between viewer and deity.
The dating is based on stylistic advancements. The attribution to Cimabue has never been in doubt; it has been in situ at Arezzo since its completion. Art historians have established it as probably one of Cimabue's earliest works.
The Crucifix was commissioned by members of the Dominican Order for the Basilica of San Domenico, Arezzo, Tuscany, where it has hung since its completion, above the high altar; occupying, in the words of art historian Monica Chiellini, the "position of absolute prestige...and the most decorative element [in a medieval church]".
As such the work reflects, like the Franciscans (both order rose to importance during this period, and significantly impacted art history in their commissions, yet there are significant differences in outlook), that order's austerity, and preoccupation with the Crucifixion.
Art historian Christopher Kleinhenz believes the move away from the Byzantine style was motivated by a desire to emphasise the "immediate, accessible, and human aspects of the deity", in line with the doctrines of piety emerging from both the Dominican and Franciscan orders.
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