Crucifixion Triptych by Spinello Aretino

Spinello Aretino, one of the most accomplished painters of the late Trecento, created this Crucifixion triptych around 1395 for a church in or near Lucca, where it now resides in the Villa Guinigi National Museum. Born in Arezzo and trained in Florence, Spinello was renowned for his energetic narrative style and worked across Tuscany on major commissions including frescoes in San Miniato al Monte and the Camposanto in Pisa. The Crucifixion triptych format allowed for a complete devotional program with the central Passion scene flanked by attendant saints.

Painted in egg tempera and gold on panel with hinged lateral wings, the triptych displays Spinello's vigorous draftsmanship and dynamic figural compositions. His characteristically bold color combinations and expressive figural gestures bring dramatic energy to the Crucifixion narrative.