The Crucifixion 1471

Francesco Botticini made this painting, titled “The Crucifixion,” sometime in the late 15th century with tempera on wood. The wood panel gives a solid structure for the painted image, while the tempera gives a matte, light-reflecting surface, full of subtle nuances. Botticini would have mixed his own tempera, carefully combining pigment with egg yolk and water to create a fast-drying paint. This process demanded precision, because colors could not easily be blended once applied. The smooth, detailed surface of the painting displays the work of a highly skilled artist, trained in the traditions of the Italian Renaissance. He employed techniques such as layering and hatching to create depth and modeling. The use of gold leaf for the halos adds to the painting’s spiritual and material richness. This work reflects both Botticini’s deep engagement with religious subject matter and his mastery of the craft of painting, which was so crucial to artistic production in his time.