St. Margaret Holding the Cross
Ugolino di Nerio·1330
Historical Context
St. Margaret Holding the Cross by Ugolino di Nerio, a leading follower of Duccio in the Sienese school, likely formed part of a multi-paneled polyptych altarpiece. Ugolino was among the most important Sienese painters of the early Trecento, known for his monumental Santa Croce altarpiece in Florence. Saint Margaret of Antioch, shown with her attribute of the cross, was widely venerated as a protector of women in childbirth throughout medieval Europe.
Technical Analysis
Executed in tempera and gold ground on panel in the refined Sienese Gothic manner, the painting features Ugolino's characteristic delicate modeling and graceful linear rhythms inherited from Duccio. The tooled gold background with punched decorative patterns frames the elegantly posed saint.
