Artwork

Two Censing Angels Holding a Crown

Two Censing Angels Holding a Crown, by Piero di Cosimo, unspecified, 1502
Two Censing Angels Holding a Crown, by Piero di Cosimo, unspecified, 1502

Two Censing Angels Holding a Crown is an unspecified painting by Piero di Cosimo. It dates from 1502 and is held in the collection of the National Galleries Scotland.

About this work

Overview

Piero di Cosimo's 'Two Censing Angels Holding a Crown' (c. 1502) is a painting housed at the Scottish National Gallery, depicting a serene scene of two angels.

Subject & Meaning

The painting portrays two angels standing together, each holding a censer and an ornate crown, potentially symbolizing importance or reverence. Their peaceful expressions and the serene atmosphere imply a contemplative or devotional context.

Technique & Style

The artist employed muted green backgrounds, warm earthy tones for the angels' robes, and deep red wings for subtle contrast. Gentle lines and a restrained color palette contribute to an overall sense of calm, characteristic of the artist's style.

History & Provenance

Created around 1502, the work is part of the Scottish National Gallery's collection, though specific details of its acquisition or previous ownership are not provided here.

Context

While the exact context of its creation is not specified, the painting's themes and style align with early 16th-century Italian religious art, suggesting it may have been commissioned for a religious or private devotional setting.

Legacy

The painting's impact on the broader art historical narrative is not explicitly detailed, though it remains a notable example of Piero di Cosimo's work from his period, valued for its serene and symbolic depiction of religious themes.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Piero di Cosimo

Artist

Piero di Cosimo

Piero di Cosimo, also known as Piero di Lorenzo, was an Italian Renaissance painter, who continued to use an essentially Early Renaissance style into the 16th century.