THE CRUCIFIXION ALTARPIECE

POLYCHROME DECORATION 

The polychrome decoration of this altarpiece is slightly different to that of the other two similar altarpieces decorating the cloister. Like them, it presents an abundance of burnished gilt, intense azurite blues and the whites of headdresses, boots and fabrics. Some fine details have also been picked out in green and red glaze of the frames, traceries and plinth. Flesh tones are rather pale and without too much attention to detail. The blue rear of the frame and the brocade sides, however, have been replaced by punch decorated burnished gilt and the brocade applied to garments has been replaced by red glazes on silver. 

Decorative techniques:

• Assorted gold star motifs on the red of the frames.

• Decorative punch work done on the rear and sides of the altarpiece's main frame. The pattern is of red rhomboids made up of seven petal flowers, circles and stars. The pattern has been made using four different sized punches: a simple single punch, a punch with concentric circles, a third punch with six pointed stars and a toothed wheel.