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The Virgin and Child with Saints Dominic and Aurea

Duccio (c.1255–before 1319)

The National Gallery, London

The Virgin and Child with Saints Dominic and Aurea

Image credit: The National Gallery, London

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Duccio was the leading artist of fourteenth-century Siena. His style is characterised by elegant, flowing lines, soft colours and tender representations of the divine. Here, the Virgin’s cloak is defined by a fluid gold hem. Mother and child share an affectionate gaze as the infant Christ plays with her white veil.The central panel is flanked by two smaller panels -- depicting Saint Dominic on the left and Saint Aurea on the right -- which can fold inwards to cover and protect the main image. This was essential as it was most probably designed as a portable temporary altarpiece for private prayer while travelling.The painting was made for Niccolò degli Albertini da Prato who became Cardinal Bishop of Ostia, near Rome, in 1303. This would explain the inclusion of Saint Aurea, the patron saint of Ostia, and Dominic, for the Cardinal was himself a member of the religious order that Dominic founded in the thirteenth century.

The National Gallery, London

London

Read more on The National Gallery, London
Title

The Virgin and Child with Saints Dominic and Aurea

Date

about 1315

Medium

Egg tempera on wood

Measurements

H 42.5 x W 34.5 cm

Accession number

NG566

Acquisition method

Bought, 1857

Work type

Painting

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Normally on display at

The National Gallery, London

Trafalgar Square, London, Greater London WC2N 5DN England

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Artist or maker

Duccio

c.1255–before 1319

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