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Brunelleschi Crucifix

The Brunelleschi Crucifix is a polychrome painted wooden sculpture by Filippo Brunelleschi, made from pearwood around 1410–1415. It depicts the crucifixion of Jesus in an idealised, carefully measured form, with proportions inspired by classical naturalism. The sculpture is the only surviving wooden work by Brunelleschi. According to Giorgio Vasari, it was created in response to Donatello’s earlier crucifix, though it remained in Brunelleschi’s workshop until 1445 before being donated to the Dominican friars of Santa Maria Novella in Florence. Since 1572 it has been displayed in the Gondi Chapel. The work has been restored several times and was shown in 2012 alongside crucifixes by Donatello and Michelangelo.

Brunelleschi Crucifix displayed in a decorated church interior with visitors gathered below.
The Brunelleschi Crucifix is shown inside an ornate church, with visitors standing nearby.
November 2012 © · CC BY-SA 3.0
Brunelleschi Crucifix showing a light-colored crucified Christ figure on a dark wooden cross against a stone wall.
Filippo Brunelleschi’s Crucifix of Santa Maria Novella, shown with a carved figure of Christ on a dark cross.
February 2014 © · CC BY 3.0
Brunelleschi Crucifix mounted on a dark cross beneath a marble archway, with two visitors in the foreground.
The Brunelleschi Crucifix displayed in a dimly lit chapel, seen beneath an ornate marble archway.
March 2013 © · CC BY-SA 3.0
Brunelleschi Crucifix showing Jesus on a dark wooden cross with bowed head, thorns, and a wound on his side
The Brunelleschi Crucifix depicts Jesus on the cross with a bowed head and crown of thorns.
August 2019 © · CC BY-SA 4.0
Detail of the Brunelleschi Crucifix showing the carved feet and lower legs of the wooden figure.
Close-up of the Brunelleschi Crucifix, focusing on the carved feet and lower legs.
© · CC BY-SA 4.0

Identification

TitleCrucifix in Santa Maria Novella
Alternative titlesBrunelleschi Crucifix; Crucifix of Brunelleschi; Crucifix of the Gondi Chapel
TypeCrucifix
SubjectCrucified Christ

Creator

ArtistFilippo Brunelleschi

Historical context

Datec. 1410–1415
Commission statusNot made for a specific commission
Inspiration and comparisonAccording to Vasari, Brunelleschi made it in response to Donatello's polychrome wooden crucifix for Santa Croce, which he criticized as 'a peasant on the cross'; he also reworked Giotto's crucifix at Santa Maria Novella as a model

Discovery and provenance

Initial storageKept in Brunelleschi's house or workshop until about one year before his death
DonationDonated by Brunelleschi to the Dominican friars of Santa Maria Novella in 1445
Original installationPlaced on a pilaster between the Filippo Strozzi Chapel and the Bardi Chapel
RelocationMoved to the Gondi Chapel in 1572
Mounting evidenceThe nails used to fix it in its earlier position are still visible

Physical characteristics

Anatomical treatmentCarefully studied and measured anatomy, modeled from a nude study
ProportionsThe arms span equals the figure's height, and the nose points toward the navel's center of gravity
PoseThe figure has a slight twist to the left
Height170 cm
Dimensions170 × 170 cm

Materials

MaterialPolychrome pearwood with a separate stiffened linen loincloth
GenitalsNot sculpted

Technique

ConstructionPolychrome painted wooden sculpture with a separately attached loincloth

Appearance

Stylistic characterMore idealized, lighter, better proportioned, calmer, and more grave than Donatello's crucifix
Visual effectThe twist creates privileged viewpoints and a sense of space, encouraging the viewer to move around the figure in a semicircle

Iconography and meaning

Artistic aimEssential, inspired by antiquity, emphasizing sublime dignity and harmony
MeaningThe mathematical perfection of the forms is presented as reflecting the divine perfection of Christ

Significance

UniquenessThe only surviving wooden work by Brunelleschi
Art-historical assessmentLuciano Bellosi described it as probably the first Renaissance work in art history
InfluenceA point of reference for later works by Donatello, Nanni di Banco, and Masaccio

Location and ownership

Current locationGondi Chapel, Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, Florence, Italy

History and restoration

RestorationRestored several times

Other

AnecdoteAccording to Vasari, Donatello was so astonished when he saw it that he dropped the eggs he was carrying
Anecdote reliabilityThe Vasari account is of uncertain reliability