Artwork

Madonna and Child with SS. John the Evangelist,John the Baptist, James of Compostela and Nicholas of Bari

Madonna and Child with SS. John the Evangelist,John the Baptist, James of Compostela and Nicholas of Bari is an unspecified painting by the Byzantine icon painting artist Agnolo Gaddi. It dates from 1394 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Victoria. Madonna and Child with SS.

About this work

Overview

Madonna and Child with SS. John the Evangelist, John the Baptist, James of Compostela, and Nicholas of Bari is a 1394 painting by Agnolo Gaddi, blending Byzantine influences with Florentine artistic traditions.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a serene religious scene featuring the Madonna and Christ Child at the center, flanked by John the Evangelist and John the Baptist, with James of Compostela and Nicholas of Bari in the background, conveying a message of reverence and harmony among saints.

Technique & Style

Gaddi employed a warm golden background, richly colored robes, and a balanced composition to create a sense of serenity. The use of golden halos and angels holding a crown above the figures reinforces the sacred nature of the scene.

History & Provenance

Created in 1394 by Agnolo Gaddi, whose father Taddeo Gaddi (a pupil of Giotto) helped introduce Byzantine iconography to Florence, the painting is now part of the National Gallery of Victoria's collection.

Context

This work reflects the transitional period in Florentine art, where Byzantine traditions were being adapted into the emerging Renaissance styles, characteristic of late 14th-century Italian painting.

Artist & collection

Artist

Agnolo Gaddi

Agnolo Gaddi (c.1350–1396) was an Italian painter. He was born and died in Florence, and was the son of the painter Taddeo Gaddi, who was himself the major pupil of the Florentine master Giotto. Agnolo was a painter…