3-002-618 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

The Virgin and Child with Saints and Angels, 1370-1425. The Virgin and Child are seated at the center of this panel painting flanked by angels with their arms crossed and hands folded in prayer. Mary and Jesus’ softly modeled faces, and the tender interaction between the mother and child emphasize their humanity. Below are the figures of Saint Paul (left) and Saint Peter (right), who were two of Christ’s closest disciples and considered to be the pillars of the Church. Here, the artist Lorenzo Monaco breaks with tradition. Rather than depicting Mary and Jesus enthroned, they appear supported on clouds, as if floating in heaven.