Artwork
Santa Francesca Romana (1384–1440) Clothed by the Virgin
Santa Francesca Romana (1384–1440) Clothed by the Virgin is a tempera painting. It dates from 1445 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This tempera painting, titled Santa Francesca Romana Clothed by the Virgin, illustrates a posthumous miracle attributed to the saint.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The painting shows the Roman saint Francesca Romana being clothed by the Virgin Mary, a scene that emphasizes her sanctity and divine favor.
The painting shows the Roman saint Francesca Romana being clothed by the Virgin Mary, a scene that emphasizes her sanctity and divine favor. An angelic figure assists, while a small dog appears, a traditional attribute associated with Francesca that signifies loyalty and humility. The presence of Jesus Christ and Mary together underscores the heavenly interaction, linking the saint to the Incarnation and reinforcing her role as a mediator of grace.
The composition, rendered in tempera on panel circa 1445, thus conveys a theological narrative of protection, spiritual ascent, and the saint’s intimate participation in the sacred mystery.
Technique & Style
The painting is executed in tempera on a wooden panel, measuring 55.2 cm in height and 37.8 cm in width, and dates to 1445. It is attributed to Antonio del Massaro da Viterbo and belongs to the religious painting genre, depicting an angel, a saint, a dog, Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary in a devotional composition. The work belongs to the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is displayed under standard conservation conditions, reflecting careful handling.
Its formal qualities align with early fifteenth‑century devotional art, employing a flat spatial arrangement and rich symbolic iconography typical of the period.
History & Provenance
The painting Santa Francesca Romana (1384–1440) Clothed by the Virgin, dated to 1445, is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The work, executed in tempera on panel, was previously owned by Robert Lehman before entering the museum's holdings. While specific accession numbers are not detailed in the provided records, the piece is cataloged within the museum's collection under the attribution of Antonio del Massaro da Viterbo.
The provided sources do not contain information regarding a specific exhibition history or a list of past displays for this artwork.
Overview
This tempera painting, titled Santa Francesca Romana Clothed by the Virgin, illustrates a posthumous miracle attributed to the saint. The composition centers on the deceased Francesca Romana, attended by the Virgin Mary who performs the symbolic act of dressing her after death. The scene combines earthly mourners with celestial beings, presenting a devotional narrative that highlights divine grace and intervention.
Artist & collection
- Altarflügel: Christus am Kreuz, Geißelung und Kreuztragung Christi, Stigmatisierung des hl. Franziskus
Transfiguration Christ
The Annunciation
Coronation of Mary (Verso: Ornament with coat of arms)
Triptych: The Last Judgment
Madonna and Child Enthroned with Saints
Ascension of Christ
The Mystic Marriage of Saint Catherine of Siena
Resurrection of Christ
Descent from the Cross
Saint Elias's Fiery Ascension
Christ on the cross
