“It’s both monumental and moving and simple and complex, and there are even tiny things that show him thinking in new ways about picture making,” says Xa Sturgis, director of the Ashmolean. This artwork showcases Fra Angelico's innovation in rendering crucifixion scenes, notably his unique perspective on the cross, indicating a maturity in his artistic approach during the 1420s.
Xa Sturgis notes, 'Almost every crucifixion before this time... would depict one side and then a shadow down it. Fra Angelico doesn't do that.' This highlights the artist's understanding and implementation of new ideas about perspective and representation in art during the Renaissance.
Sturgis elaborates on the figures, stating, 'We've got the Virgin facing one way, a really beautiful figure of St John reversing her posture.' The juxtaposition of the Virgin Mary and St John illustrates not just their emotional states but also a dynamic spatial relationship that Fra Angelico captures brilliantly in his composition.
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