Madonna and Child with Saints Jerome, Bernardino, John the Baptist, and Anthony of Padua and Two Angels
Sano di Pietro was a popular and highly prolific Sienese painter and illuminator, whose workshop produced numerous devotional images of the Madonna and Child, frequently shown in bust-length and accompanied by saints and angels. The close stylistic affinities between works attributed to Sano and the enigmatic Sienese artist known as the Osservanza Master may indicate that they represent a single artistic identity. It is also possible that the paintings attributed to the Osservanza Master are the product of a collaborative workshop to which these artists belonged.
The Christ Child holds a goldfinch symbolizing the Resurrection, while resting his left hand on the embroidered collar of the Virgin’s dress. They are accompanied by Saints Jerome, Bernardino, John the Baptist, Anthony of Padua, and two angels. The design for the heads of the Virgin and Child reappears with some frequency in paintings by Sano’s workshop, suggesting the use of a cartoon (full-scale drawing) to transfer the image. The frame is carved in five sections and engaged to the panel. The same punch tools used to decorate the frame were employed in the halos of the saints and angels.
The Christ Child holds a goldfinch symbolizing the Resurrection, while resting his left hand on the embroidered collar of the Virgin’s dress. They are accompanied by Saints Jerome, Bernardino, John the Baptist, Anthony of Padua, and two angels. The design for the heads of the Virgin and Child reappears with some frequency in paintings by Sano’s workshop, suggesting the use of a cartoon (full-scale drawing) to transfer the image. The frame is carved in five sections and engaged to the panel. The same punch tools used to decorate the frame were employed in the halos of the saints and angels.
Artwork Details
- Title: Madonna and Child with Saints Jerome, Bernardino, John the Baptist, and Anthony of Padua and Two Angels
- Artist: Sano di Pietro (Ansano di Pietro di Mencio) (Italian, Siena 1405–1481 Siena)
- Date: ca. 1465–70
- Medium: Tempera on wood, gold ground
- Dimensions: Overall, with engaged frame: 29 1/8 × 20 3/8 in. (74 × 51.8 cm)
painted surface: 24 3/8 × 15 5/8 in. (61.9 × 39.7 cm) - Classification: Paintings
- Credit Line: Robert Lehman Collection, 1975
- Object Number: 1975.1.42
- Curatorial Department: The Robert Lehman Collection
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Sienese
1460–70
Sano di Pietro (Ansano di Pietro di Mencio)
ca. 1470–73
Sano di Pietro (Ansano di Pietro di Mencio)
ca. 1460–70
Sano di Pietro (Ansano di Pietro di Mencio)
about 1450
Sano di Pietro (Ansano di Pietro di Mencio)
1450s
Related Content
Publications
Books, guides, and catalogues published by The Met.
Free to download
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.