Artwork
Descent of Mary's Girdle to the Apostle Thomas
Descent of Mary's Girdle to the Apostle Thomas is a paint painting by the Byzantine icon painting artist Maso di Banco. It dates from 1335 and is held in the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin.
About this work
Overview
Descent of Mary's Girdle to the Apostle Thomas is a 1335 tempera painting by Maso di Banco, a Florentine artist and pupil of Giotto, created during the early Renaissance.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a religious scene centered on the Virgin Mary, descending from heaven surrounded by a halo, with clasped hands in prayer. Angels in white robes and halos gather around her, conveying devotion and awe, set against a deep blue night sky.
Technique & Style
Maso di Banco's work reflects the transitional style of the early Renaissance, influenced by Giotto's introduction of three-dimensional and dramatic realism, while still incorporating elements of Byzantine iconography.
History & Provenance
Created in 1335, the painting is now part of the collection at the Gemäldegalerie Berlin.
Artist & collection
Artist
Maso di Banco (working c 1335–1350) was an Italian painter of the 14th century, who worked in Florence, Italy.
Saint Anthony of Padua
Mary and child
Virgin Enthroned with Saints, Nativity and Crucifixion
Saint John the Baptist
Triptych: Madonna with Saints and Christ Blessing (Center); The Nativity and the Annunciate Angel (Left Wing); Crucifixion and the Virgin Annunciate (Right Wing)
Coronation of the Virgin
Saint Anthony Eremita
Die Himmelfahrt Mariae
St Ursula
The Assumption of the Virgin
Saviour
Altarpiece from Thuison-les-Abbeville: The Ascension
The Holy Trinity (Seat of Mercy)
The Assumption of the Virgin with Saints from an Augustinian altarpiece
The Assumption of the Virgin with Saints Jerome and Francis
Saint Ursula and Her Maidens
Processional Banner
Ascension
The ascension of Mary