Crucifixion by Taddeo Gaddi
Crucifixion with Saints, by Taddeo Gaddi (1360)
Taddeo Gaddi's Crucifixion fresco, is located in the sacristy of Santa Croce Basilica in Florence, depicts the crucifixion of Christ with the Virgin Mary, Saint John the Evangelist, and Mary Magdalene, and also features a pelican, a symbol of Christ's sacrifice.
Taddeo Gaddi was Giotto's most important student, belonging to his workshop for twenty-four years. He produced a number of frescoes in Florence and Pisa, besides numerous panel paintings, but until his death in 1366 he was mainly active in Santa Croce, the Franciscan monastery in Florence, and his house and workshop were nearby. His late works, from around 1360, include the fresco of the Crucifixion in the sacristy and the ensemble of paintings grouped around a Tree of Life (Arbor vitae) in the refectory of Santa Croce.
In this work, the figure of Christ on the cross is the focal point of the painting, and his body is depicted with great precision and realism. Four unconsolable angels around him collect his blood, as two more rush from above to announce his death.
On the top of the cross a legend sais: "Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum", which translates to: “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews”.
This image is a public domain image, which means either that copyright has expired in the image or the copyright holder has waived their copyright. Franciscan Gallery charges for the access to high resolution copy of the image. Manually restoration was necessary in order to improve quality, without covering the original image.
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