Saint Dominique (retable de la Trinité)

This image of Saint Dominic formed part of Bartolo di Fredi's Trinity Altarpiece, fragments of which are now divided among the Louvre and other collections. The prominence of Saint Dominic in this ensemble indicates a Dominican commission, as the founder of the Order of Preachers was invariably included in altarpieces for Dominican churches. Bartolo di Fredi received numerous commissions from religious orders in Siena and the surrounding Tuscan towns during his long and productive career.

Egg tempera on gold-ground panel, consistent with the other surviving elements of the Trinity Altarpiece. The Dominican founder is depicted in his order's distinctive black and white habit, rendered with Bartolo's firm outlines and warm coloring, set against an elaborately punched and tooled gold background.