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Description: | Attributed to the fourteenth century Italian school, on stylistic grounds it is possible to suggest a Florentine origin for this painting, possibly by an artist in the entourage of Giovanni del Biondo (documented 1356-1389) whose work was influenced by that of his master, Andrea di Cione called Orcagna (documented 1343-1368). Although much cruder than the known works by either of these masters, the severe handling of the figures and the fine areas of background surface decoration in this painting reveal the influence of these masters. Appreciation of the Russell-Cotes painting is seriously hindered by much poorly executed over-painting, particularly in the figures of St Catherine and the donor at lower right, as well as in hands of the various figures. The subject of the painting, a Madonna and Child with St Catherine and a Donor is also problematic. The traditional representations of St Catherine of Alexandria (martyred on the wheel, visible lower right) and of St Catherine of Siena famed for her mystic marriage' to Christ, have unusually been conflated here. The presence of the wheel may be the result of latter additions. The austere treatment of the head of the Virgin is of superior quality to the rest of the work. | Subjects: | religion (Virgin Mary St Catherine) | Source: | Vads | Creator: | Artist: Giovanni del Biondo (Italian painter, active 1356, died 1399) Æ Attributed to school of | Identifier: | http://www.vads.ac.uk/large.php?uid=8464... | Go to resource |
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