Master of Saint Francis – Crucifix Part 5 National Gallery UK

The composition centers around a figure suspended from a large, ornate cross. The central figure exhibits signs of suffering; the body is emaciated and marked with wounds indicative of crucifixion. A golden halo encircles the head, suggesting divinity despite the evident physical distress. The artist has rendered the flesh tones in an unusual palette, leaning towards greenish-yellow hues that contribute to a sense of pallor and fragility.
Flanking the central figure are three additional individuals, positioned on either side of the cross. To the left, a woman draped in crimson robes gestures with one hand toward the crucified man while covering her face with the other, conveying grief or sorrow. Beside her stands another figure, clad in blue, who appears to be looking directly at the viewer. On the right, a man in earth-toned garments kneels, his head bowed in what seems like reverence or despair.
The cross itself is elaborately decorated. The arms are framed by gilded borders featuring intricate patterns and small medallions. A circular medallion with a central motif sits atop the vertical beam of the cross. The background is a deep blue, which serves to accentuate the figures and the golden elements within the composition.
Beyond the immediate depiction of suffering and mourning, the painting seems to explore themes of piety and contemplation. The positioning of the onlookers suggests an invitation for viewers to engage with the scene emotionally and spiritually. The stylized rendering of the figures and their gestures lends a sense of formality and solemnity to the event. The use of gold highlights not only emphasizes the divine nature of the central figure but also elevates the overall aesthetic, imbuing it with a sense of preciousness and sacredness. The limited color palette contributes to an atmosphere of austerity and introspection, characteristic of devotional art intended for private contemplation.