Virgin and Child Enthroned with Saints Christopher and Sebastian, ca. 1498 – 1525

Dimensions: 37.7 x 49.9 x min. 1.7 cm
maximum depth: 2.2 cm

Physical Description: Poplar

Inventory Number: 1078

Acquisition: Acquired in 1872

Status: On display, 2nd upper level, Old Masters, room 13

Texts

About the Work

The painter from Umbria who created this unique devotional work can probably be identified as Fiorenzo di Lorenzo. Flanked by Saints Christopher and Sebastian, the Madonna sits enthroned with the Infant Jesus in a palace-like room. The floor is covered with marble, and both the canopy above the throne and the back wall are hung with precious gold brocade. The lavish use of gold leaf, which has also been worked and decorated in different ways, contributes to the particular charm of this painting and also symbolises the omnipresence of God.

Work Data

Basic Information

Title: Virgin and Child Enthroned with Saints Christopher and Sebastian

Painter

Fiorenzo di Lorenzo ?

Period Produced

School

Renaissance

Object Type

painting (artwork)

Physical Description: Poplar

Material

poplar wood

Technique

mixed technique

Property and Acquisition

Institution

Städel Museum

Departement

Old Masters 1300 - 1800

Collection

Städelsches Kunstinstitut

Creditline: Städel Museum, Frankfurt am Main

Picture Copyright: Public Domain

Acquisition: Acquired in 1872

Work Content

Motifs and References

Genre

Main Motif

Persons Shown

Iconclass

Primary

11F611 'Sacra Conversazione'
11FF4221 Mary sitting or enthroned, the Christ-child standing on her knee (Christ-child to Mary's left) - FF - the Christ-child to Mary's right
11F724 Christ-child throwing his arm(s) around her neck ~ Madonna-representations
11H(CHRISTOPHER) the giant and martyr Christophorus; possible attributes: palm-tree (with bunches of dates, or withered), infant Christ
11H(SEBASTIAN) the martyr Sebastian; possible attributes: arrow(s), bow, tree-trunk