Who painted Mary with Child and Four Saints?

Mary with Child and Four Saints was painted by Pietro Perugino in 1497.

Where can I see Mary with Child and Four Saints?

Mary with Child and Four Saints is held by Kunsthistorisches Museum.

What movement is Mary with Child and Four Saints?

Mary with Child and Four Saints is associated with Early Renaissance.

Artwork

Mary with Child and Four Saints

Pietro Perugino , 1497

Mary with Child and Four Saints is an unspecified painting by the Early Renaissance artist Pietro Perugino. It dates from 1497 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1497 by the Umbrian painter Pietro Perugino, this panel presents a devotional grouping typical of the early Renaissance. The Virgin Mary is shown cradling the infant Christ, surrounded by four male saints rendered in contemporary attire. The work now belongs to the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna.

Subject & Meaning

At the centre of the composition, Mary holds the naked Christ child, emphasizing the intimate bond between mother and son.

At the centre of the composition, Mary holds the naked Christ child, emphasizing the intimate bond between mother and son. Flanking them are four saints, each identifiable by distinct attributes—a sword, a book, and varied colored robes—signifying their individual martyrdoms or scholarly roles. The grouping underscores intercessory prayer and the protective presence of holy figures around the divine pair.

Technique & Style

Perugino employs a balanced arrangement of figures, a hallmark of his mature style that anticipates High Renaissance harmony. Soft modeling of flesh, gentle chiaroscuro, and a calm, idealized landscape with a pale sky and modest architectural elements create a serene atmosphere. The palette of reds, greens, and earth tones highlights each saint while maintaining overall compositional unity.

History & Provenance

The painting was executed during Perugino’s prolific period in the late 15th century, when he was a leading figure in the Umbrian school. After changing hands among private collectors, it entered the holdings of the Kunsthistorisches Museum, where it remains on display as part of the museum’s Renaissance holdings, offering insight into the artist’s devotional output.