The Assumption of the Virgin with St. Thomas and Two Donors (Ser Palamedes and his Son Matthew).

The Assumption of the Virgin with St. Thomas and Two Donors by Andrea di Bartolo, painted around 1390, depicts the moment when the Virgin ascends to heaven and drops her belt (sacra cintola) to the doubting St. Thomas. The named donors, Ser Palamedes and his son Matthew, indicate this was a private commission, likely for a family chapel. Andrea di Bartolo's prolific Sienese workshop was a primary supplier of such devotional panels throughout Tuscany.

Tempera and gold on panel. Andrea employs the elegant Sienese idiom with graceful figure poses, rich ultramarine blue for the Virgin's mantle, and a radiant gold ground with mandorla framing the ascending Madonna.