Coronation of the Virgin

Agnolo Gaddi's Coronation of the Virgin depicts the climactic moment of Marian theology — Christ placing a crown upon his mother's head in heaven, surrounded by angels and saints. This subject became the quintessential altarpiece theme in late Gothic Italy, representing the ultimate promise of salvation and heavenly glory. Agnolo, the last great painter of the Gaddi dynasty, executed this work around 1380 during the peak of his career when he held Florence's most prestigious commissions.

Tempera and gold on panel with an elaborate tooled and punch-decorated gold ground creating a shimmering celestial backdrop. Agnolo's palette is characteristically bright and decorative, with rich blues, reds, and pinks in the angelic host surrounding the central enthroned pair.