Private collection; copy of a 15th c. panel painting by the Sienese painter Sano di Pietro. The Christ Child's open scroll translates as 'I am the Light of the World'. This image belongs to the Italian renaissance in its use of naturalistic modelling of forms and the distinct sweetness of expression. However, a few iconographic links can be made with the Byzantine, eastern archetype of the Hodigetria in the pose and as with the Vladimirskaya icon (see Theotokos Gallery) the Virgin holds her Child on her right arm, i.e. dexiocratousa.
Tempera on arch-top panel, burnished water-gilded background, punched halo and raised pastiglia decoration. Genuine lapis lazuli pigment used for the Virgin's robe.
Private Collection. Copy of a panel painting done in the 'Greek style' (maneira greca) 1484 from the Basilca Dei Sc. Maria e Donati, Venice. The Virgin holds her hand in the ancient gesture of prayer (orant). Her blue mantle becomes a cloth of heaven, decorated with stars.
Mixed technique; tempera underpainting with oil glazes, burnished water gilding and punched halo decoration.
Private commission, the patron saint of Italy is shown, at the patron's request with the Venetian leonine symbol of Saint Mark and a Eucharistic reference in the chalice. Original design - loosely based on Cimabue's fresco portrait of Saint Francis in the Lower Church at Assisi.
Tempera on panel, water-gilded background.
Private commission, based on the 14th c. fresco portrait at San Domenico, Siena. Saint Catherine (1347 - 1380) is an important 14th c Italian female saint, whose piety and devotional practices led to profound visionary experiences and great acts of charity which were inspired by her devotion to emulate the humanity of Christ. A Tertiary of the Dominican order, Catherine's visions included her mystic marriage with the Christ Child and the experience of receiving the Stigmata. She was also politically active in supporting the Papacy during the Great Schism.
Tempera on panel.
