MEMMI, Lippo
(b. ca. 1285, Siena, d. ca. 1361, Siena)

Crucifixion (detail)

c. 1340
Fresco
Collegiata Santa Maria Assunta, San Gimignano

The viewer's gaze is directed to the figure of Christ mainly by the centurion, who points to the crucified Christ with a hand raised high and turns back to one of the Pharisees, who responds only with a black look. It is unusual that both the Pharisee and the centurion are on horses, but his too reveals the closeness to Pietro Lorenzetti, one of whose favourite motifs were riders facing into the painting, with the hindquarters of their horses toward the viewer.




© Web Gallery of Art, created by Emil Krén and Daniel Marx.