Saints John the Baptist and Catherine of Alexandria

Discussion

FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

Saints John the Baptist and Catherine of Alexandria and Saints Augustine and Peter —identifiable by their clothing, attributes, and Latin inscriptions—once flanked a larger central image, probably of a Virgin and Child. The frames were made in the early 20th century, but they reflect the architectural style and motifs typical of 14th century Venetian altarpieces. The leading Venetian painter of his time, Paolo Veneziano combined sinuous Gothic contours, sumptuous textile patterns, and severe facial types influenced by contemporary Byzantine art. This mix of styles reflects Venice’s role as the center of a vast trade network encompassing Western Europe and the Byzantine Empire and extending as far as East Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.

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