Processional Crucifix
The Met
Artist: Pietro di Francesco Orioli(Italian, Siena 1458–1496 Siena)
Date: ca. 1480s
Department: European Paintings
Classification: Paintings
Medium: Tempera on wood, gold ground
Dimensions: Overall 21 1/4 x 18 1/2 in. (54 x 47 cm); painted surface 18 5/8 x 14 in. (47.3 x 35.6 cm)
Credit Line: The Bequest of Michael Dreicer, 1921
Visual Descriptions
AI GeneratedVisual Summary
Brief Description
Ornate gilded cross with a central human figure and four smaller painted figures
Detailed Description
A highly ornate, gilded cross stands vertically against a white background. The cross is primarily gold-colored with dark accents, featuring a central vertical beam and a horizontal crossbeam. Its edges are elaborately scalloped and adorned with intricate, swirling gold patterns. Small, pointed finials extend from the outer edges of the cross, with two on each arm, two on the top, and two on the bottom, in addition to a larger, more prominent finial at the very top and bottom. At the center of the cross, a human figure is depicted with outstretched arms, positioned along the horizontal beam. The figure is rendered in a muted, pale tone, possibly grey or light brown, and wears a white loincloth around the waist. The background directly behind the figure on the crossbeams is a dark, solid color, likely black or very dark brown, providing contrast to the gold cross and the figure. Within the four ends of the cross—top, bottom, left arm, and right arm—are smaller, painted panels. The panel at the top displays a bust-length figure wearing a red hat and dark clothing, looking slightly to the left. Below this figure, a small, dark, stylized object or symbol is visible. On the left arm, a bust-length figure with dark hair and a dark garment is depicted, looking towards the center. Similarly, on the right arm, another bust-length figure with dark hair and a dark garment is shown, also looking towards the center. At the bottom, a bust-length figure with dark hair and clothing is depicted, looking slightly upwards.
Generated by gemini-2.5-flash
