Artwork
Christ in a Mandorla, with the instruments of the Passion, with St. Stephen and St. Lawrence below
Christ in a Mandorla, with the instruments of the Passion, with St. Stephen and St. Lawrence below is an unspecified painting by the Byzantine icon painting artist Berlinghiero Berlinghieri. It dates from 1230 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
The work is part of the collection at The Cleveland Museum of Art.
Berlinghiero Berlinghieri, an Italian painter active in the early thirteenth century, created Christ in a Mandorla, with the instruments of the Passion, with St. Stephen and St. Lawrence below around 1230. This painting exemplifies the Italo-Byzantine style, depicting a central Christ figure within an almond-shaped glory, flanked by symbols of his suffering, and with two prominent saints positioned below. The work is part of the collection at The Cleveland Museum of Art.
Subject & Meaning
The composition centers on Christ, enclosed within a mandorla, a traditional symbol of divine glory, and encircled by the instruments of his Passion. Below this celestial vision, Saints Stephen and Lawrence are depicted. Stephen holds a book, while Lawrence grasps a gridiron, their respective attributes. This arrangement adheres to Byzantine iconography, presenting Christ's majesty and redemptive sacrifice, supported by revered early Christian martyrs.
Technique & Style
The artwork showcases characteristics of the Italo-Byzantine style, evident in its formal composition and symbolic representations. Christ is rendered with a halo, a serene expression, and specific hand gestures, wearing a dark robe over a light tunic. The two saints below are portrayed in distinct robes, their forms somewhat subdued. The painting employs bold colors and geometric patterns, contributing to its impactful visual presence.
History & Provenance
This painting was produced by Berlinghiero Berlinghieri, a significant Italian artist of the early 1200s. His authorship is established through a signature, "Berlingerius me pinxit," found on another of his works, a crucifix. Berlinghieri was also the progenitor of a notable artistic lineage, with his sons Barone, Bonaventura, and Marco also becoming painters. The artwork is now part of the holdings of The Cleveland Museum of Art.
Artist & collection
Artist
Berlinghiero, also known as Berlinghiero Berlinghieri or Berlinghiero of Lucca (fl.
