Madonna and Child with Saints Catherine of Alexandria and Christopher

Matteo di Giovanni, Siena's leading painter, created this Madonna and Child with Saints Catherine of Alexandria and Christopher around 1490. The pairing of the scholarly virgin martyr Catherine with the giant protector Christopher created a devotional ensemble addressing both learning and safe travel. Matteo's bold, distinctive style gave even conventional compositions a memorable visual impact. This work belongs to the High Renaissance, when the innovations of the preceding century were synthesized into works of monumental clarity and ideal beauty.

Tempera on panel with Matteo's characteristic bold drawing and vivid Sienese coloring. The flanking saints demonstrate his ability to create strongly individualized figures.