Angels with the Cross and other instruments of the Passion Master of Cartellini

The composition presents a vertical arrangement dominated by a large wooden cross centrally positioned within the frame. The background is a deep blue, rendered with a textured application that suggests a night sky or a boundless expanse. A dense thicket of foliage obscures much of the lower portion and flanks the cross, creating an enclosed, almost claustrophobic atmosphere.
Three cherubic figures are clustered around the base of the cross. Their bodies are delicately modeled, exhibiting soft flesh tones and subtle indications of musculature. Each angel possesses a pair of feathered wings, rendered with considerable detail in their plumage. The central figure leans against the cross, his gaze directed upwards towards its upper reaches. To his left, another cherub holds a small vessel – perhaps a chalice or basin – attached to a long staff. The third angel, positioned on the right, raises a flaming torch aloft.
The lighting is uneven and dramatic; it highlights the figures’ bodies while leaving portions of the foliage in shadow. This contrast emphasizes their ethereal quality and draws attention to their interaction with the central symbol. The cross itself appears weathered and aged, its surface marked by what might be interpreted as signs of wear or even damage.
The subtexts within this work are layered and suggestive. The presence of angels, traditionally messengers of divine grace, implies a spiritual witnessing of the event represented by the cross. Their youthful innocence contrasts sharply with the gravity of the object they surround. The flaming torch held aloft could symbolize divine illumination or perhaps a lament for what has been lost. The vessel carried by one angel might allude to sacrifice or offering.
The overall effect is one of solemn contemplation and profound sorrow, tempered by an undercurrent of hope suggested by the angelic presence. The restricted palette and dense composition contribute to a sense of intimacy and emotional intensity.