• Author: Lorenzo Monaco
• Date: 1410
• Collection: PAINTING
• Technique: Tempera and gold on wood panel
• Dimensions: 274,5 x 262,5 cm
• Inventory: Inv. 1890 n. 468

The polyptych, intended for the high altar of the Florentine Church of San Bartolomeo, Monte Oliveto, was a commission given by Friar Giovanni Strada to Lorenzo Monaco, who received payments for its creation over a period from 1407 to 1411. However, the work was completed in 1410, as shown by the inscription on the plinth beneath the main compartment. The titular saint of the church is depicted in a place of honour, to the right of the Virgin and alongside his client’s patron saint, John the Baptist. On the other side, the figure of Saint Benedict alludes to the Olivetan congregation’s ties to the Benedictine order.

In this work, Lorenzo Monaco looks with interest at the innovations in Florentine sculpture, in particular those of Lorenzo Ghiberti and his panels for the North Gate of the Baptistery of Florence. This explains the adoption of the ‘Ghibertian’ mixtilinear arch for the structure of this polyptych, as well as the elongated proportions of the figures, depicted in languid poses, accentuated by the flowing drapery, which dissolves into elegant linear rhythms. The final, refined and precious effect is also attained through the delicate chromatic range of pastel shades and the material textures achieved with gold: the mordant gilding decorating the Virgin’s and Saint Bartholomew’s mantle, the extensive sgraffito that traces embroidery on the carpet, the dense graining of the drape of honour on Mary’s throne, shaded with red lacquers, and on Saint Benedict’s mantle, above which the painter then created floral motifs with brushstrokes.

Pinnacles: Redemeer, Announcing Angel, Virgin Annunciate
Pediments: Prophet Malachi, Prophet Isaiah
Left compartment: St Bartholomew and St John the Baptist
Right compartment: St Jude Thaddeus