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Saints Matthew and Francis

ca. 1435
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 603

The moody, unfiltered emotions of Saints Matthew and Francis showcase Giovanni’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 its collection record at The Met website.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Saints Matthew and Francis
  • Artist: Giovanni di Paolo (Giovanni di Paolo di Grazia) (Italian, Siena 1398–1482 Siena)
  • Date: ca. 1435
  • Medium: Tempera on wood, gold ground
  • Dimensions: Overall, with added strips, 54 5/8 x 34 3/4 in. (138.7 x 88.3 cm); painted surface 52 7/8 x 33 1/2 in. (134.3 x 85.1 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: Gift of Coudert Brothers, 1888
  • Object Number: 88.3.111
  • Curatorial Department: European Paintings

More Artwork

More Artwork
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The Presentation of Christ in the Temple, Giovanni di Paolo (Giovanni di Paolo di Grazia) Italian, Tempera and gold on wood
The Presentation of Christ in the Temple
Giovanni di Paolo (Giovanni di Paolo di Grazia)
ca. 1435
Saint Ambrose, Giovanni di Paolo (Giovanni di Paolo di Grazia) Italian, Tempera on wood, gold ground
Saint Ambrose
Giovanni di Paolo (Giovanni di Paolo di Grazia)
1465–70
Saint Catherine of Siena Beseeching Christ to Resuscitate Her Mother, Giovanni di Paolo (Giovanni di Paolo di Grazia) Italian, Tempera and gold on wood
Saint Catherine of Siena Beseeching Christ to Resuscitate Her Mother
Giovanni di Paolo (Giovanni di Paolo di Grazia)
ca. 1447–65
The Blessed Ambrogio Sansedoni (1220–1286), Giovanni di Paolo (Giovanni di Paolo di Grazia) Italian, Tempera on wood, gold ground
The Blessed Ambrogio Sansedoni (1220–1286)
Giovanni di Paolo (Giovanni di Paolo di Grazia)
1447–65
The Exultation of Saint Nicholas of Tolentino, Giovanni di Paolo (Giovanni di Paolo di Grazia) Italian, Tempera on wood, gold ground
The Exultation of Saint Nicholas of Tolentino
Giovanni di Paolo (Giovanni di Paolo di Grazia)
ca. 1450

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