Francesco Pesellino and completed by Fra Filippo Lippi and workshop – The Trinity Part 2 National Gallery UK

The composition presents a hierarchical arrangement of figures centered around a cruciform structure. At the apex sits a bearded figure, identifiable as divine through his regal attire – a high-crowned hat and flowing robes – and the radiating halo that surrounds him. He gestures downwards with one hand, seemingly in benediction or bestowal.
Below this central figure, suspended from the cross, is a male form exhibiting signs of suffering; wounds are visible on his body, which is partially draped in fabric. The posture suggests both agony and resignation. Light emanates from behind him, illuminating his physique and creating a sense of ethereal presence.
The lower portion of the painting depicts a landscape receding into the distance. A figure, clad in flowing robes, stands at the base of the cross, appearing to observe the scene with reverence or sorrow. The background is populated by architectural elements – buildings and trees – rendered with meticulous detail, suggesting a terrestrial realm distinct from the divine sphere above.
The color palette is dominated by rich blues, reds, and golds, contributing to an atmosphere of solemnity and grandeur. The use of light and shadow enhances the three-dimensionality of the figures and creates a dramatic effect.
Subtexts within this work appear to explore themes of sacrifice, divinity, and human suffering. The gesture of the upper figure implies divine intervention or acceptance of the events unfolding below. The landscape serves as a visual anchor, grounding the celestial drama in a recognizable world. The solitary figure at the base of the cross may represent humanity’s role as witness to – and participant in – the depicted narrative. Overall, the painting conveys a sense of spiritual contemplation and invites reflection on the relationship between the divine and the mortal realms.