Sano di Pietro

This recently rediscovered panel was painted by Sano di Pietro, one of the most prolific and successful Sienese artists of the fifteenth century. His production is always of a fine quality and refined technique, rich in decorative effects and characterized by a brilliant palette. He was at the head of a workshop that satisfied the demands of civic and religious institutions in the city, as well as those of private devotion. While he produced altarpieces, predellas, biccherna covers, and manuscript illuminations, he is perhaps best known today for his charming and intimate depictions of the Madonna and Christ Child, either alone or often surrounded by angels or saints, that adhere faithfully to the Sienese Trecento tradition.

Considered by some scholars as the quintessential representative of the mysticism of Sienese quattrocento painting, this work in particularly displays an extremely refined and very high level of craftsmanship, probably reinforced by his work as a miniaturist for major institutions like the Opera Metropolitana di Siena, and the monastery of Monte Oliveto Maggiore. In this small-scale devotional painting the Virgin appears in half-length in front of a gold background as she bends her head gently toward the Christ Child whom she supports on her right arm. The infant is dressed in a yellow tunic and a long red cloak. The delicate treatment of the faces, sharp nose, and pronounced chin of the Virgin are typical of the artist’s style. Indeed, this small work is characteristic of Sano di Pietro’s timeless style and among the best examples to remerge in years.