Virgin and Child with Saints Peter and Paul

Discussion

FROM THE BARNES FOUNDATION’S CATALOG

This precious gold-ground panel shows the Virgin Mary and Christ Child enthroned between Saints Paul (left) and Peter (right). The way in which Mary and Christ embrace, with their faces touching, emulates certain Byzantine icons that highlight the Virgin's loving kindness and that were believed to be especially holy; the figures' attenuation and jewel-toned robes enhance the sacred aura. Originally, this panel was the left valve of a diptych whose right half showed the Crucifixion attended by the Virgin, Saint John the Evangelist, and two grieving angels. The juxtaposition of Christ's infancy and death presented a poignant devotional platform for a pious individual.

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