Student Artwork Guide
Copyright This work is in the public domain. Benvenuto Cellini died in 1571; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death, so it ended in 1641.
In context
Crucifixion — Benvenuto Cellini
Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span — 0 at birth, 71 at death.
Shaded: the lifetime of Benvenuto Cellini (1500–1571) every dated painting, decade by decade
First works: up to 1540 Main working years: 1540–1550 Late works: from 1550
Those three bands split the works this catalogue has a date for into a first quarter, a middle half and a last quarter. They are not the artist’s complete output: a thin stretch may be a gap in the record rather than a quiet spell. The same years with the artist’s life laid along them
This record has no exact year on file — using the artist's lifetime and the work's style, what decade would you guess?
Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.
More works to set beside this one: topimpressionists.com/en/art/similar/benvenuto-cellini-crucifixion-9GZGDF-en/
Measured from the image
Main colour
Phthalo Green #2b1115
Catalogued palette
These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour
The ten leading countries
Find the three darkest countries on the map. Is the museum that keeps this painting in any of them? Write down one reason people far away might look at it.
Together these works take 76.8% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 80 works by this artist, of which 34 were looked at at least once. This painting has not been looked at yet in that time — it closes the list without a rank. The same counts, month by month
Bars measure attention, not quality. Pick the work at the top and this one: name one thing that might make a painting famous beyond how well it is painted.
Artist and museum
Born in Florence, Italy
Born: Florence, Italy (November 1, 1500)
Died: February 13, 1571
Benvenuto Cellini was a remarkable figure of the Italian Renaissance, renowned as an accomplished goldsmith, sculptor, draftsman, soldier, musician, and writer. His multifaceted talents and flamboyant personality are vividly captured in his celebrated autobiography, considered a significant literary work alongside his artistic achievements. He embodies the spirit of Mannerism, a period following the High Renaissance characterized by dramatic flair and stylistic complexity.
Born into a family with musical inclinations – his father was a musician and instrument maker – Cellini initially showed promise in music. However, at fifteen, he passionately pursued a career as a goldsmith, convincing his reluctant father to apprentice him to Antonio di Sandro (known as Marcone). This marked the beginning of his formal artistic training. His early years were not without incident; at sixteen, he became embroiled in an affray with companions, leading to banishment from Florence and a period working in Siena under goldsmith Fracastoro.
Salt Cellar: This elaborate silver masterpiece, commissioned by King Francis I of France, is arguably his most famous work. It showcases intricate detail and dynamic figures, now housed at the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna.
Perseus with the Head of Medusa: A bronze sculpture depicting Perseus triumphantly holding the severed head of Medusa, this piece exemplifies Cellini’s mastery of form and dramatic composition. It stands as a testament to his skill in capturing movement and emotion in metal.
Gold Medallion of Leda and the Swan: Created for Gonfaloniere Gabriello Cesarino, this medallion demonstrates Cellini's ability to blend classical mythology with exquisite craftsmanship.
Project for a Seal: A drawing held at the British Museum, showcasing his design skills.
Cellini’s style is characterized by its dynamism, realism, and attention to detail. He drew inspiration from classical antiquity and Michelangelo's powerful figures, but infused his work with a distinctly Mannerist sensibility – elongated forms, exaggerated poses, and a sense of theatricality.
Cellini’s life extended far beyond the workshop. He served as a soldier during sieges, claiming to have played a crucial role in defending Rome against imperial forces. He was also an accomplished musician, playing the cornett and flute at papal court. However, it is his autobiography that truly sets him apart.
The Life of Benvenuto Cellini: This candid and often boastful account provides invaluable insights into Renaissance art, culture, and society. It’s a compelling narrative filled with anecdotes about patrons, rivals, and personal adventures, offering a unique perspective on the era.
His autobiography is not merely a recounting of events; it's a carefully constructed self-portrait designed to showcase his talents and justify his actions. While sometimes unreliable due to Cellini’s own biases, it remains an essential primary source for understanding Renaissance life.
Benvenuto Cellini died in Florence in 1571, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most important artists of Mannerism. His technical skill, artistic innovation, and captivating autobiography continue to inspire artists and art enthusiasts alike. He represents the quintessential Renaissance ideal – a polymath skilled in multiple disciplines, driven by ambition, and unafraid to express his individuality. His works are celebrated for their beauty, craftsmanship, and dramatic power, solidifying his place as a pivotal figure in Western art history.
topimpressionists.com/en/art/download/benvenuto-cellini-crucifixion-9GZGDF-en/
Look closely
Crucifixion — Benvenuto Cellini
Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.
Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.
"Crucifixion" by Benvenuto Cellini depicts: crucifixion.
The format of "Crucifixion" is portrait. This is useful when planning where a reproduction will be placed.
Regarding copyright, "Crucifixion" is in the public domain - its copyright has expired.