Altar Miracles
The Stigmatisation of Saint Francis and the Miracle of the Black Leg, c1442-5
Egg tempera on wood
These early works were part of an altarpiece produced by Filippo Lippi. Entrusted with its predella, or base, Pesellino seized the opportunity to proclaim his talent for vivid narrative painting. At left, between jagged sun-drenched mountains, Saints Francis receives the wounds of Christ. His miraculous injury is contrasted with a scene of surgery. The doctor twins, Saints Cosmas and Damian, substitute the healthy leg of a recently deceased Black Christian for the cancerous limb of a sleeping white Christian. Both miracles address the contemporary association between earthly bodies and spiritual life.*
From the exhibition
Pesellino: A Renaissance Master Revealed
(December 2023 – March 2024)
Discover an overlooked Renaissance great in the first ever exhibition dedicated to Francesco di Stefano, known as Pesellino (1422–1457).
Pesellino’s talents were hugely sought-after during his lifetime. He gained commissions from Florence’s ruling Medici family, and collaborated with the leading artists of his time, including Fra Filippo Lippi.
Working in Florence in the early 15th century, Pesellino had a short but successful career. He was a skilled draughtsman, visual storyteller and a painter of animals, often producing works on a small scale with wonderfully intricate detail. His work inspired the next generation of painters after his early death at the age of 35.
This exhibition uncovers Pesellino’s story and shines a light on the depth and breadth of his achievements.
See up close his masterpieces, including the Pistoia 'Trinity' altarpiece (1455–60) and newly restored 'Stories of David' (about 1445–55) 'cassoni' (marriage chest) panels, and immerse yourself in his world of vibrant storytelling and exquisite detail..
[*National Gallery]
Taken in National Gallery
Altar Miracles
The Stigmatisation of Saint Francis and the Miracle of the Black Leg, c1442-5
Egg tempera on wood
These early works were part of an altarpiece produced by Filippo Lippi. Entrusted with its predella, or base, Pesellino seized the opportunity to proclaim his talent for vivid narrative painting. At left, between jagged sun-drenched mountains, Saints Francis receives the wounds of Christ. His miraculous injury is contrasted with a scene of surgery. The doctor twins, Saints Cosmas and Damian, substitute the healthy leg of a recently deceased Black Christian for the cancerous limb of a sleeping white Christian. Both miracles address the contemporary association between earthly bodies and spiritual life.*
From the exhibition
Pesellino: A Renaissance Master Revealed
(December 2023 – March 2024)
Discover an overlooked Renaissance great in the first ever exhibition dedicated to Francesco di Stefano, known as Pesellino (1422–1457).
Pesellino’s talents were hugely sought-after during his lifetime. He gained commissions from Florence’s ruling Medici family, and collaborated with the leading artists of his time, including Fra Filippo Lippi.
Working in Florence in the early 15th century, Pesellino had a short but successful career. He was a skilled draughtsman, visual storyteller and a painter of animals, often producing works on a small scale with wonderfully intricate detail. His work inspired the next generation of painters after his early death at the age of 35.
This exhibition uncovers Pesellino’s story and shines a light on the depth and breadth of his achievements.
See up close his masterpieces, including the Pistoia 'Trinity' altarpiece (1455–60) and newly restored 'Stories of David' (about 1445–55) 'cassoni' (marriage chest) panels, and immerse yourself in his world of vibrant storytelling and exquisite detail..
[*National Gallery]
Taken in National Gallery