Created:
Movement:
1458
Renaissance
key Notes:
Celestial Majesty, Gothic Elegance
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Dimensions:
Overall (shaped top): 70 5/8 × 51 3/4 in. (179.4 × 131.4 cm)
medium:
Tempera on wood, gold ground
story of the work:

"Coronation of the Virgin" is a painting by Giovanni di Paolo, created around 1455. Giovanni di Paolo was an Italian painter active in Siena during the early Renaissance. The work depicts the Virgin Mary being crowned by Christ, a common theme in Christian art symbolizing her exalted status. The painting is characterized by its vibrant colors and intricate details, typical of di Paolo's style. It reflects the influence of Sienese Gothic art, merging it with emerging Renaissance ideals. The composition is notable for its use of gold leaf, enhancing the divine quality of the scene. The painting is housed in the collection of the Museo di San Francesco in Montepulciano, Italy. Specific details regarding its commission or original location are unknown.

Description of the work:

"Coronation of the Virgin" by Giovanni di Paolo, created circa 1455, is a tempera on wood painting characterized by its use of a gold ground, which enhances the luminosity and spiritual quality of the scene. The composition features the Virgin Mary at the center, depicted with a serene expression, adorned in rich robes that contrast with the gilded background. Surrounding her are angels and saints, each rendered with distinct facial features and elaborate garments, contributing to the overall narrative of divine coronation. The use of vibrant colors and intricate details in the figures' attire exemplifies the artist's skill in tempera technique. The arrangement of figures creates a sense of verticality, drawing the viewer's eye upward towards the heavenly crown being placed upon Mary's head. The painting reflects the Gothic style's emphasis on ethereal beauty and religious devotion, while also showcasing Giovanni di Paolo's unique interpretation of sacred themes.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Coronation of the Virgin