Madonna of Humility Crowned by Two Angels, Saints Francis and Dominic, Annunciation and Crucifixion

Artist Vecchietta (Lorenzo di Pietro) (Castiglione d'Orcia, Italy, c.1410 - 1480)

Associated The Virgin Mary

Datec. 1430-40

Mediumtempera and gold leaf on gesso on panel

ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings

DimensionsOverall: Height: 47 cm, Width: 40.5 cm
Frame: Height: 61.2 cm, Width: 53.6 cm
New frame 61.4 x 53.8 x 15.5 cm

AcquisitionBequeathed in 1899 by Miss Georgina E Forbes.

CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0

LocationOn Display - Gallery 07

Object numberABDAG004571

Keywords

About MeRecently attributed to Lorenzo di Pietro di Giovanni (1410 - 1480) who was known from an early age as Vecchietta, or “little old woman” and was prominent as both painter and sculptor in Siena. First noted for his sculpture in polychrome wood, he later turned to bronze, influenced by the example of Donatello, who worked in Siena during the 1450s. Vecchietta also received commissions elsewhere in Tuscany and in Rome, which he visited at least twice.

In this triptych the Virgin holding the Christ child is flanked by St Francis of Assisi to the left and St Dominic to the right. Francis is identified by his brown habit and by the stigmata which can be clearly seen on his hands and feet. Dominic holds a lily, a symbol of the Virgin's chastity and a book - the gospels.

The Christ child holds a small bird in his hands. The Virgin is crowned by two angels. Above this scene another depicts the Crucifixion of Christ and to either side of this the Annunciation is shown - with the Angel Gabriel on the left telling the Virgin Mary, on the right that she is with child.

Thus this triptych relates the most significant events in the life of the Virgin.

This devotional triptych was one of the first items to enter the collections of Aberdeen Art Gallery. Although it was received in 1899 the owner, Georgina Forbes, had decided to donate it some time earlier as a label on the reverse explains:

'… to be given at my death or my mother's to the new picture Gallery at Aberdeen Georgina E. Forbes 1883'.
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Collections Wall

This devotional triptych was one of the earliest items to enter the collections of Aberdeen Art Gallery & Museums and relates to the most significant events in the life of the Virgin.

Exhibitions

Gallery 07 - Exploring Art