Madonna and Child with Saints George and Christopher (Pala Manfron)

Paris Bordone's Madonna and Child with Saints George and Christopher belongs to his sacra conversazione altarpieces combining the central Marian devotional image with warrior saints particularly popular in Venice and the terraferma. George and Christopher were both warrior saints associated with protection — George against enemies and dragons, Christopher as patron of travelers. Their combination in a devotional altarpiece served the needs of a patron involved in military or commercial activities who sought both martial and travel protection under the Virgin's intercession. Bordone's warm Venetian light and rich draperies create the characteristically sensuous devotional beauty of his mature style.

The devotional composition is rendered with attention to the expressive and contemplative qualities that served the painting's function as an aid to prayer and meditation.