Madonna and Child with the Blessing Christ, and Saints Peter, James Major, Anthony Abbott, and a Deacon Saint [entire triptych] by Martino di Bartolomeo
This exquisite tempera painting, "Madonna and Child with the Blessing Christ, and Saints Peter, James Major, Anthony Abbott, and a Deacon Saint" by Martino di Bartolomeo, dating to circa 1418, is a testament to the resilience of art history. Once almost lost forever, it now resides in a museum for all to appreciate.
Look closely at the shimmering gold background, a characteristic of early 15th-century Sienese art. The tender expressions of the Madonna and Child, flanked by various saints, reveal a devotional scene intended to inspire faith.
For centuries, this triptych faced neglect. It was overpainted, disassembled, and sold in pieces before finally being rediscovered in a private collection. Meticulous restoration efforts were required to bring these separate panels back together, revealing the artist's original vision.
It's a reminder of how much of art history we owe to the dedicated work of conservators and scholars. What other hidden treasures do you think might still be out there?
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Transcript
This golden panel dates to around 1418, from Siena, Italy. It was almost destroyed, twice, through centuries of neglect. The panels were once painted over, then sawn apart. They were finally found, in pieces, in a private collection. Restorers carefully reassembled the original triptych. They saved a fragile treasure, nearly lost to time.