Artwork

Virgin and Child Adored by Saints Mary Magdalene and Nicolas of Bari; Christ Crucified with the Virgin and Saint John the Evangelist

Virgin and Child Adored by Saints Mary Magdalene and Nicolas of Bari; Christ Crucified with the Virgin and Saint John the Evangelist is an unspecified painting by the Italo Byzantine artist Sano di Pietro. It dates from 1404 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.: 1924.199
Credit line: Gift of Mrs. B. P. Bole, Mr. and Mrs. Guerdon S. Holden, Mrs. Windsor T. White, and the L. E. Holden Fund

About this work

Overview

This panel painting combines two distinct scenes: the Virgin and Child surrounded by Saints Mary Magdalene and Nicolas of Bari, and a depiction of Christ Crucified with the Virgin and Saint John the Evangelist.

Subject & Meaning

The painting presents two central Christian themes. The first scene emphasizes devotion to the Holy Family and the saints, while the second conveys the sorrow and significance of the Crucifixion, highlighting the emotional and theological connection between the two events.

Technique & Style

The artist innovatively prepared the panel by applying a thin layer of gesso over the wood, intentionally leaving the texture visible. The gesso was then painted to mimic the appearance of porphyry, a prized stone, adding a unique tactile and visual depth to the work.

History & Provenance

Currently housed at The Cleveland Museum of Art, the full provenance and creation date of the panel are not specified in the provided information, though its style suggests a medieval or early Renaissance context.

Context

The use of porphyry mimicry reflects the artistic desire to evoke luxury and sacredness, common in religious art of the period. The dual-scene composition may have been intended for devotional or altarpiece purposes.

Legacy

As part of The Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection, the painting contributes to the understanding of medieval/early Renaissance artistic techniques and religious themes, offering insights into the period’s devotional practices and aesthetic values.