The Madonna of Humility, the Annunciation, the Nativity, and the Pietà

Bartolomeo Vivarini's polyptych combining the Madonna of Humility with the Annunciation and Nativity represents one of his more elaborate surviving altarpiece programs, linking the foundational Marian mysteries in a single devotional ensemble. The Madonna of Humility — the Virgin seated on the ground rather than an elevated throne — was a devotional type with particular Italian currency, emphasizing Mary's humble acceptance of her divine maternity. Vivarini's combination of this type with the Annunciation and Nativity scenes creates a theological narrative from the moment of divine invitation through the Virgin's acceptance to the birth itself.

Vivarini's characteristically crisp, hard-edged style and brilliant coloring are deployed across the multi-scene composition, with gold ground and architectural framing elements organizing the various devotional subjects.