Who painted Altar Piece of the Lives of the Virgin and Saint Francis?

Altar Piece of the Lives of the Virgin and Saint Francis was painted by Nicolás Francés in 1445-01-01.

Where can I see Altar Piece of the Lives of the Virgin and Saint Francis?

Altar Piece of the Lives of the Virgin and Saint Francis is held by Museo del Prado.

What movement is Altar Piece of the Lives of the Virgin and Saint Francis?

Altar Piece of the Lives of the Virgin and Saint Francis is associated with Early Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of Altar Piece of the Lives of the Virgin and Saint Francis?

Museum-quality prints of Altar Piece of the Lives of the Virgin and Saint Francis are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Altar Piece of the Lives of the Virgin and Saint Francis

Nicolás Francés , 1445

Altar Piece of the Lives of the Virgin and Saint Francis is an unspecified painting by the Early Renaissance artist Nicolás Francés. It dates from 1445 and is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

As a piece of religious art housed in the Museo del Prado, the work functions as a visual medium for venerating the spiritual legacies of its subjects.

Created by Nicolás Francés in 1445, this religious painting serves as an altar piece dedicated to the hagiographic narratives of the Virgin Mary and Saint Francis. The work's title explicitly identifies its dual subject matter, focusing on the lives of these two central figures in Christian devotion. While the specific scenes from their biographies are not detailed in the available records, the inclusion of musical instruments, specifically a guitar and a lute, within the depicted imagery suggests a symbolic layer potentially related to celestial harmony or the praise of the divine.

As a piece of religious art housed in the Museo del Prado, the work functions as a visual medium for venerating the spiritual legacies of its subjects.

History & Provenance

The altarpiece was commissioned in the mid-15th century for a religious context and executed by the Spanish painter Nicolás Francés. It was created circa 1445, with its inception recorded between 1445 and 1450. The work remained in its original devotional setting before being acquired by the Museo del Prado, where it has been part of the museum's collection since its acquisition. The piece measures 557 cm in height and 558 cm in width.

The Altar Piece of the Lives of the Virgin and Saint Francis is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado. The painting measures 557 cm in height and 558 cm in width. No specific inventory or accession numbers, nor exhibition history, are provided by the available sources.

Overview

The Altar Piece of the Lives of the Virgin and Saint Francis, painted by Nicolás Francés in 1445, is a large, ornate religious painting composed of multiple small, detailed scenes arranged in sections.

Technique & Style

Characterized by a predominant gold palette accented with red, green, and blue, the piece showcases intricate detail and a compartmentalized composition, typical of medieval altarpiece design.