Coronation of the Virgin with Saints (Valle Romita Polyptych)
Gentile da Fabriano·1408
Historical Context
The Coronation of the Virgin with Saints, known as the Valle Romita Polyptych, from 1408 at the Pinacoteca di Brera is an early masterwork from Gentile's period in the Marches. The polyptych format with its gold grounds reflects late medieval conventions, but the naturalistic details in landscape and costume anticipate the coming Renaissance. Characteristic of the artist's mature approach, the work displays sumptuous gold and jewel-like color, elegant courtly figures in elaborate brocade, lyrical narrative, exquisite surface detail in goldwork and textiles.
Technical Analysis
The central Coronation scene is flanked by elegant saints in the International Gothic manner, with rich gold tooling and delicate color harmonies complemented by surprisingly naturalistic landscape passages.
