The three archangels with the little Tobias

Francesco Botticini painted this scene of the three archangels with young Tobias around 1491 in Florence. The subject, drawn from the Book of Tobit, was extremely popular in Florentine painting partly because the Archangel Raphael was patron of travelers and physicians. Botticini's most famous work on this theme is the large panel now in the Uffizi, and this version reflects continued demand for the subject. This work belongs to the High Renaissance, when the innovations of the preceding century were synthesized into works of monumental clarity and ideal beauty.

Tempera on panel with elegant figure drawing and rich coloring characteristic of Botticini's mature work. The three archangels are depicted in elaborate costumes that showcase his decorative skill.