Saints Lawrence and Stephen
Mariotto di Nardo·1408
Historical Context
Mariotto di Nardo's Saints Lawrence and Stephen, painted around 1408 and now at the Getty Museum, pairs the two great deacon-martyrs of the early Church. This pairing was common in Italian altarpieces, as both saints were venerated as models of faithful service and courageous martyrdom Altarpieces featuring rows of standing saints served both liturgical and devotional functions, identifying the church's patron saints and giving worshippers specific objects for personal prayer.
Technical Analysis
The two saints are depicted in matching deacon's vestments with their identifying attributes, rendered in Mariotto di Nardo's clear, workmanlike style with careful attention to liturgical costume detail.
See It In Person
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