Crucifixion 

This “Crucifixion” was painted by Antoniazzo Romano, around the late 15th century, using tempera on a panel. Tempera is a traditional medium using egg yolk as a binder. The artist would have carefully prepared his pigments, grinding them from minerals or plants. These pigments are then mixed with the egg yolk to create a paint that dries quickly to a durable, matte finish. The panel itself would have been carefully prepared with layers of gesso, a white ground that provides a smooth surface for painting. The material choices here – the egg tempera and the careful layering of paint – reflect the traditional workshop practices of the Renaissance, where artists were trained in both the technical and artistic aspects of painting. The flatness of the figures, the crispness of line, and the carefully balanced composition, all reflect the demands of the church. By understanding the materials, making, and context of this painting, we can appreciate it not just as an image, but as a carefully crafted object that embodies the values and beliefs of its time.