Berlin Crucifixion
The Berlin Crucifixion is a small panel painting made around 1320. It uses tempera and gold on wood and measures about 58 cm by 33 cm. It is kept in the Gemäldegalerie in Berlin. At first, scholars attributed the work to Giotto, but later experts have questioned this, suggesting it might be by a follower of Giotto or a different master. The painting is thought to come from late in Giotto’s life because of its heavy, flowing drapery.
The scene shows Jesus on the cross centered on a gold background, with sorrowful angels around him. Mary Magdalene, in a red dress, clings to the base of the cross. On the left, a group of women surrounds Mary as she faints, with a young girl watching. On the right, Saint John the Baptist stands next to a man on horseback who raises his arm in recognition of Jesus as the Son of God. Jesus is drawn very thin. The side figures are cut off at the edges, giving the impression of a larger crowd.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 15:59 (CET).