Saints Matthew and Francis
The Met
Artist: Giovanni di Paolo (Giovanni di Paolo di Grazia)(Italian, Siena 1398–1482 Siena)
Date: ca. 1435
Department: European Paintings
Classification: Paintings
Medium: Tempera on wood, gold ground
Dimensions: Overall, with added strips, 54 5/8 x 34 3/4 in. (138.7 x 88.3 cm); painted surface 52 7/8 x 33 1/2 in. (134.3 x 85.1 cm)
Credit Line: Gift of Coudert Brothers, 1888
Visual Descriptions
AI GeneratedVisual Summary
Brief Description
Two standing male figures, one bearded and one tonsured, holding books against a gold background
Detailed Description
This vertical rectangular painting features two full-length male figures standing side-by-side against a gold background. The figures occupy most of the canvas, appearing to stand on a red ground with a subtle, dark red patterned design. The figure on the left is an older man with a bald head and a long, full grey beard. He wears a flowing, bright yellow-gold outer robe over a blue tunic, with the sleeves of the blue tunic visible at his wrists. His bare feet are visible at the bottom of his robe. He holds an open red book in both hands, looking down at its pages. A faint, circular inscription is visible within the gold halo around his head. The figure on the right is a younger man with a tonsured head, showing a shaved crown, and a short, reddish-brown beard. He wears a long, light brown or beige robe, which is cinched at the waist by a white rope with three visible knots. His bare feet are also visible beneath his robe. He holds a closed red book vertically in his left hand, resting it against his chest. His right hand is slightly raised, palm facing forward, revealing a small red mark on the palm. A faint, circular inscription is visible within the gold halo around his head. The gold background behind the figures is richly decorated with raised gesso patterns, forming pointed arch shapes and intricate floral or foliate motifs, particularly above and around their heads. The gold surface shows some texture and minor wear.
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