Focus on Crucifix (Cimabue, Santa Croce) and discuss the Description.
Cimabue achieves a masterful handling of colour; medieval churches tended to be extremely colourful, with frescoed walls, painted capitals, and gold leaf paintings. Pale tonalities dominate, with the main contrast found in the dark areas of Christ's hair and beard, which are utilised to make the features of his face stand out more, and position his head as the focal point.
Cimabue gold leaf paintings Christ gold leaf fresco capitals