Saint Gregory the Great (in pinnacle: a Prophet)

Bernardo Daddi's Saint Gregory the Great with a Prophet in the Pinnacle belongs to his polyptych altarpiece production, depicting one of the four Latin Doctors of the Church in the format typical of fourteenth-century Florentine devotional altarpieces. Gregory, the pope who codified the Gregorian chant, promoted the conversion of England, and wrote extensively on pastoral theology, was among the most essential saints in any comprehensive altarpiece program. Daddi's figure style, developing Giotto's solid figures toward greater decorative refinement, gives Gregory the formal dignity of his papal office within the gold atmosphere of Trecento Florentine painting.

Executed in egg tempera and gold leaf on panel, the work features Daddi's refined modeling technique with soft transitions and luminous flesh tones. The pointed Gothic pinnacle format and tooled gold background with decorative punchwork demonstrate the high craftsmanship of Florentine altarpiece production.