Madonna and Child with Saints John the Baptist, Jerome, Peter Martyr, and Bernardino and Four Angels
Sano di Pietro (Ansano di Pietro di Mencio)
"Madonna and Child with Saints John the Baptist, Jerome, Peter Martyr, and Bernardino and Four Angels" is a painting by Sano di Pietro, an Italian painter active during the early Renaissance. The work is believed to have been created around 1425 and before 1467. Sano di Pietro was known for his devotional imagery and use of vibrant colors, often incorporating gold leaf in his works. This painting features the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child, surrounded by various saints, which reflects the common theme of intercession in Renaissance art. The inclusion of Saints John the Baptist, Jerome, Peter Martyr, and Bernardino suggests a focus on both the Virgin's maternal role and the saints' protective qualities. The four angels depicted in the composition enhance the celestial atmosphere and emphasize the divine nature of the scene. The painting exemplifies Sano di Pietro's style, characterized by elongated figures and a decorative approach. The exact provenance of the work is unknown, as is its original commission. The painting is currently housed in a museum collection, though specific details about its location may vary.
"Madonna and Child with Saints John the Baptist, Jerome, Peter Martyr, and Bernardino and Four Angels" by Sano di Pietro is a tempera on wood painting characterized by its use of a gold ground, which enhances the luminosity of the figures. The composition features the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child at the center, surrounded by five saints and four angels. The saints are depicted in a hierarchical arrangement, each identifiable by their attributes: Saint John the Baptist holds a lamb, Saint Jerome is shown with a lion, Saint Peter Martyr carries a palm branch, and Saint Bernardino is often recognized by the IHS symbol. The angels are positioned above, contributing to the celestial atmosphere of the work. The figures are rendered with elongated proportions and delicate features, typical of Sano di Pietro's style. The color palette is rich yet restrained, with an emphasis on gold and soft hues that create a serene and devotional mood. The overall composition is balanced and symmetrical, guiding the viewer's eye towards the central figures of the Madonna and Child.