Head of Christ
Master of the Orcagnesque Misericordia (Italian, Florentine, active second half of 14th century)
Tempera on wood, gold ground
Technical Glossary
Master of the Orcagnesque Misericordia (Italian, Florentine, active second half of 14th century)
Tempera on wood, gold ground
Overall, with engaged frame: 11 5/8 x 8 1/8 in. (29.5 x 20.6 cm); Painted surface: 9 5/8 x 6 1/8 in. (24.4 x 15.6 cm)
Gift of The Jack and Belle Linsky Foundation, 1981 (1981.365.2)
This hypnotic panel, painted front and back and with its original frame, shows two angels holding the cloth on which Christ's head was miraculously imprinted (Veronica's veil). The inscription on Christ's collar suggests that it may have been used during the Mass as a pax to pass the kiss of peace. This Master was a gifted follower of Orcagna, the greatest Florentine painter of the mid-fourteenth century.
