Saints Matthew and Francis

Giovanni di Paolo (Giovanni di Paolo di Grazia) Italian

Not on view

The moody, unfiltered emotions of Saints Matthew and Francis showcase Giovanni di Paolo’s interest in depicting strongly expressive figures. The artist found inspiration for his implacable saints in the sculpture of his great compatriot Jacopo della Quercia. These two figures are from a major altarpiece. A scene from the base (predella) is also in the Museum and shows the Presentation in the Temple. Giovanni’s experimentation with foreshortening can be seen here in the lettering on the haloes, which changes size in accordance with the tilt of the figures’ heads. For more information about this painting, including a reconstruction of the altarpiece, visit metmuseum.org.

Saints Matthew and Francis, Giovanni di Paolo (Giovanni di Paolo di Grazia) (Italian, Siena 1398–1482 Siena), Tempera on wood, gold ground

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