Italian Medieval Altarpieces: Faith, Power, and Art
Italian medieval altarpieces transitioned from basic panels to intricate designs, incorporating both sacred and secular themes. The 13th century marked an increase in religious artworks commissioned by mendicant orders such as the Franciscans and Dominicans, supported by the urban bourgeoisie and nobility. The earliest depiction of Saint Francis is found in Bonaventura Berlinghieri's Saint Francis of Assisi and Scenes of His Life (1235, Church of Saint Francis, Pescia). Duccio di Buoninsegna's Maestà (1311, Museo dell’Opera Metropolitana del Duomo, Siena) features a two-sided altarpiece that combines the Virgin with saints. Additionally, Simone Martini's Saint Louis of Toulouse Crowns Roberto d’Anjou (1317, National Museum of Capodimonte, Naples) acts as political propaganda. The Pala d’Oro (976-1345, St Mark’s Basilica, Venice) and the Triptych of the Embriachi (1400-1409, Certosa di Pavia) showcase lavishness.
Key facts
- Italian medieval altarpieces evolved from simple panels to complex, articulated, and folding forms, often made of precious materials.
- The mendicant orders, such as Franciscans and Dominicans, drove a proliferation of religious artistic commissions in the 13th century.
- Bonaventura Berlinghieri's Saint Francis of Assisi and Scenes of His Life (1235) is the earliest known representation of Saint Francis, painted nine years after his death.
- Duccio di Buoninsegna's Maestà (1311) for Siena Cathedral is a two-sided altarpiece with 26 scenes from the Passion on the reverse.
- Simone Martini's Saint Louis of Toulouse Crowns Roberto d’Anjou (1317) was commissioned by Robert of Anjou to link the saints to the Angevin dynasty.
- The Pala d’Oro (976-1345) in St Mark’s Basilica, Venice, contains 187 enamel plates and 1,927 gems.
- The Triptych of the Embriachi (1400-1409) at Certosa di Pavia is made of ivory with gold and ebony inlays.
- In 1984, a significant part of the Triptych of the Embriachi was stolen but recovered by the Carabinieri.
Entities
Artists
- Bonaventura Berlinghieri
- Duccio di Buoninsegna
- Simone Martini
- Baldassarre degli Embriachi
- Paolo Veneziano
- Saint Francis of Assisi
- Louis of Anjou
- Robert of Anjou
- Gian Galeazzo Visconti
- Doge Peter Orseolo
- Andrea Dándolo
Institutions
- Franciscans
- Dominicans
- Church of Saint Francis
- Museo dell’Opera Metropolitana del Duomo
- National Museum of Capodimonte
- St Mark’s Basilica
- Certosa di Pavia
- Basilica of San Eustorgio
- Carabinieri
Locations
- Italy
- Pescia
- Siena
- Naples
- Venice
- Pavia
- Milan
- Toulouse