• Author: Andrea Orcagna
• Date: c. 1353 - 1355
• Collection: PAINTING
• Technique: Tempera and gold on wood panel
• Dimensions: 126 x 204 cm
• Inventory: Inv. 1890 n. 3469

This polyptych comes from the Basilica della Santissima Annunziata, where it probably decorated the altar of the Del Palagio family chapel, the first on the right on entering, founded in 1353 and dedicated to Saint Nicholas, whose stories were also depicted in frescoes, now lost but painted, according to the sources, by Taddeo Gaddi. The holy bishop is shown in profile in a place of honour at the right of the Virgin, almost as if he were holding a conversation with Mary.

The polyptych is the work of Andrea di Cione, known as Orcagna, a versatile Florentine artist (as well as being a painter, he was a sculptor and architect), one of the most admired of the 14th century. The imposing and solemn figures, shaped with meticulous accuracy, have severe expressions and are distinctive elements of his style, rooted in the examples of the followers of Giotto, especially Maso di Banco.

Left compartments: St John the Baptist, St James the Less
Right compartments: St Andrew (or St Philip), St Nicholas