Isaiah

Ugolino di Nerio painted this image of the prophet Isaiah around 1326 as part of the prophets series from the Santa Croce altarpiece, where Old Testament figures were traditionally included as foretellers of Christ's coming. Isaiah held special prominence among the prophets in medieval Christianity for his messianic prophecies, particularly the virgin birth passage cited in Matthew's gospel. Now in the National Gallery, London, this panel joins the substantial group of surviving Santa Croce fragments.

Painted in egg tempera on panel with gold ground, the half-length prophet is depicted holding a scroll bearing his prophecy, a standard iconographic convention for Old Testament prophets in Gothic altarpiece design. The dignified characterization and refined execution demonstrate Ugolino's ability to create individualized yet idealized figures within the Ducciesque tradition.