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Madonna and Child with the Blessing Christ, and Saints Peter, James Major, Anthony Abbott, and a Deacon Saint [entire triptych]

Martino di Bartolomeo , 1418

Madonna and Child with the Blessing Christ, and Saints Peter, James Major, Anthony Abbott, and a Deacon Saint [entire triptych], by Martino di Bartolomeo, tempera, 1418
Madonna and Child with the Blessing Christ, and Saints Peter, James Major, Anthony Abbott, and a Deacon Saint [entire triptych], by Martino di Bartolomeo, tempera, 1418

Madonna and Child with the Blessing Christ, and Saints Peter, James Major, Anthony Abbott, and a Deacon Saint [entire triptych] is a tempera painting by the Early Renaissance artist Martino di Bartolomeo. It dates from 1418 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription
Inscribed:middle panel, on Christ's book: Ego S / um lu / x m / undi / [et] via / veritas / et vita / quise / gui ... (I am the light of the world and the way, the truth and the life; a conflation of John 8:12 and 14:6) [1]

About this work

Technique & Style

The composition organizes the sacred figures within a unified framework typical of the genre, emphasizing hierarchical scale and devotional clarity.

Executed in 1418, this religious triptych by Martino di Bartolomeo uses tempera paint applied to a wooden panel support. The work follows the formal conventions of early fifteenth-century Sienese religious art, structured as a multi-panel altarpiece featuring the Madonna and Child enthroned with the Blessing Christ, flanked by Saints Peter, James Major, Anthony Abbott, and a deacon saint. Tempera on panel was the standard technique for Italian panel paintings of this period, allowing the precise, linear detailing characteristic of the artist's style.

The composition organizes the sacred figures within a unified framework typical of the genre, emphasizing hierarchical scale and devotional clarity.

History & Provenance

Executed in 1418 by Martino di Bartolomeo, this tempera-on-panel triptych was recorded in a private London collection by 1924, where it was noted by the art historian F. Mason Perkins. The panel subsequently entered the collection of Samuel L. Fuller (1875–1963) of New York, who donated it to the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., in 1950, where it remains, accessioned as 1950.1.1. The sources do not record a specific history of public exhibitions or loans for the work.

Overview

This tempera painting on panel, created by Martino di Bartolomeo around 1418, is a religious triptych. Titled Madonna and Child with the Blessing Christ, and Saints Peter, James Major, Anthony Abbott, and a Deacon Saint, it presents a devotional scene across three distinct sections. The work exemplifies the artistic practices prevalent in the early 15th century, combining spiritual narrative with specific material techniques.

Subject & Meaning

The triptych's central panel features the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child, with a depiction of the Blessing Christ positioned above them. Flanking this primary scene, the left panel portrays Saint Peter, identifiable by his attributes, while Saint James Major occupies the right panel. The full title also indicates the presence of Saint Anthony Abbott and a deacon saint, completing this gathering of revered figures within a sacred composition.

Context

Created during the early 15th century, this triptych reflects the devotional art common to the period. The format of a multi-panel altarpiece was a prevalent choice for religious commissions, allowing for the hierarchical arrangement of sacred figures. Its material choices, particularly tempera and gold leaf, were standard for conveying spiritual significance and richness in Italian art before the widespread adoption of oil painting techniques.

Madonna and Child with the Blessing Christ, and Saints Mary Magdalene and Catherine of Alexandria with Angels [entire triptych]
Madonna and Child with the Blessing Christ, and Saints Mary Magdalene and Catherine of Alexandria with Angels [entire triptych], Pietro Lorenzetti

Artist & collection

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.In the collection of National Gallery of Art. Compiled & edited by , Editor & Founder.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Madonna and Child with the Blessing Christ, and Saints Peter, James Major, Anthony Abbott, and a Deacon Saint [entire triptych]?

Madonna and Child with the Blessing Christ, and Saints Peter, James Major, Anthony Abbott, and a Deacon Saint [entire triptych] was painted by Martino di Bartolomeo in c. 1415/1420.

Where can I see Madonna and Child with the Blessing Christ, and Saints Peter, James Major, Anthony Abbott, and a Deacon Saint [entire triptych]?

Madonna and Child with the Blessing Christ, and Saints Peter, James Major, Anthony Abbott, and a Deacon Saint [entire triptych] is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Madonna and Child with the Blessing Christ, and Saints Peter, James Major, Anthony Abbott, and a Deacon Saint [entire triptych]?

Madonna and Child with the Blessing Christ, and Saints Peter, James Major, Anthony Abbott, and a Deacon Saint [entire triptych] is associated with Early Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of Madonna and Child with the Blessing Christ, and Saints Peter, James Major, Anthony Abbott, and a Deacon Saint [entire triptych]?

Museum-quality prints of Madonna and Child with the Blessing Christ, and Saints Peter, James Major, Anthony Abbott, and a Deacon Saint [entire triptych] are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.