Saints Matthew and Francis
ca. 1435
Giovanni di Paolo brings a touch of heavenly glitter to this 15th-century Sienese panel, setting Saints Matthew and Francis against a backdrop of intricately tooled gold leaf. Notice the heavy, cascading folds of their robes—Matthew in vibrant chartreuse and Francis in humble Franciscan beige—which give the figures a sculptural presence despite the flat, decorative background. The artist, a key figure in the conservative Sienese school, held onto these Gothic traditions of gold backgrounds and elongated figures even as the Renaissance was blooming elsewhere in Italy. It's a beautiful snapshot of a city that preferred divine elegance over earthly realism, complete with Francis's signature white cord dangling by his side.
- Technique
- Tempera and gold leaf on wood panel
- Material
- Wood panel and gold leaf
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