Artwork
Engaged cassetta frame on a polyptych panel
Engaged cassetta frame on a polyptych panel is a tempera painting by the Sienese School artist Niccolò di Buonaccorso. It is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This painting, executed in tempera, depicts a celestial gathering within a radiant golden and cloudy expanse.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The composition includes the Virgin Mary, an angel holding a musical instrument, and a saint, suggesting a celestial choir witnessing the event.
The panel illustrates the Coronation of the Virgin, the central narrative in which Mary is crowned Queen of Heaven. The composition includes the Virgin Mary, an angel holding a musical instrument, and a saint, suggesting a celestial choir witnessing the event. This iconography emphasizes Mary's elevated status and her role as an intercessor between the divine and humanity, reflecting the devotional focus of late-fourteenth-century Sienese religious art. The work thus serves as a visual expression of Marian devotion prevalent in Siena during the period.
Technique & Style
Created in 1390 by Niccolò di Buonaccorso, this polyptych panel utilizes tempera paint applied to a wooden support. The work functions as a religious composition, specifically depicting the Coronation of the Virgin alongside figures such as angels, saints, and Mary. Visually, the piece incorporates an engaged cassetta frame that integrates structurally with the painted panel.
The composition includes detailed renderings of a musical instrument, contributing to the iconographic program. The physical dimensions of the panel measure 44.8 cm in height and 26.7 cm in width. As a product of the Sienese school, the handling reflects the stylistic conventions of late 14th-century religious art, characterized by the specific medium of tempera on panel which was standard for the period and region.
History & Provenance
The engaged cassetta frame on a polyptych panel was created by the Sienese artist Niccolò di Buonaccorso in 1390. Executed in tempera on panel, this religious work depicts the Coronation of the Virgin alongside figures such as angels, saints, and a musical instrument. Historically, the panel was part of the collection owned by Robert Lehman before entering the holdings of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
The work dates to 1390, reflecting the artistic production of that era in Siena. Its current location is the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, where it remains a documented example of late 14th-century religious art. While specific accession numbers are not detailed in the available records, the sources confirm the institution's ownership; they do not list specific exhibition histories or dates of display.
Overview
This painting, executed in tempera, depicts a celestial gathering within a radiant golden and cloudy expanse. At its core, a woman in blue cradles a child, who gestures in a blessing pose. Surrounding them are smaller, haloed figures holding various objects, including books and musical instruments.
The composition is framed by an ornate, carved structure, contributing to an overall impression of solemnity and spiritual significance.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Niccolò di Buonaccorso, also Niccolò di Niccolò di Buonaccorso or Bonaccorso, (active 1355 – 1388) was an Italian painter and one of the most prominent Sienese painters of the 14th century.
- The ascension of Mary
Coronation of the Virgin
The Assumption of the Virgin with Saints Jerome and Francis
The Dormition and Assumption of the Virgin (center panel)
Madonna and Child Enthroned and Twelve Angels
Triptych
Saint Catherine Disputing and Two Donors
The Coronation of the Virgin, and Saints
Coronation of the Virgin
Madonna and Child with Saints and Angels
The Virgin and Child with Saints and Angels
Madonna and Child with Nine Angels
