MASTER of Città di Castello
(active 1305-1320 in Siena)

Crucifixion with the Virgin and St John the Evangelist

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Tempera on panel, gold ground, 39 x 35 cm
Private collection

The anonymous master, named "Master of Città di Castello" after the Virgin and Child Enthroned with Saints in Città di Castello, is one of the most important painters active in Siena in the immediate wake of Duccio di Buoninsegna. Although primarily influenced by Duccio, he was no mere derivative follower, but was a developed and individual painter who adhered to Byzantine and Sienese Gothic traditions whilst simultaneously displaying a profound knowledge of Giotto di Bondone's progressive style of painting.

Originally, the present panel was probably attached to a larger panel as its pinnacle.