Cimabue, Crucifix, 1268-71, tempera on wood

Although Cimabue was a great artist in his time, he is mostly remembered as the master who apprenticed the great artist Giotto. But before Giotto began dazzling the masses with his realistic imagery, Cimabue had been progressively improving the naturalistic and realistic nature of painting for many years. Works like this Crucifix are expert and beautiful.