An Unknown Saint, Saint Cosmas and Saint Francis: Left Pilaster

Image credit: The National Gallery, London

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Notes

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These three saints stand on the left side of a large multi-panelled altarpiece painted for the high altar of the church of San Giovanni Evangelista in Pratovecchio near Florence. Several of its panels are in the National Gallery’s collection.

A label above him tells us that the saint in red is Cosmas, the twin of Saint Damian in the opposite pilaster. They were especially important in Florence as they were favoured by the Medici, the ruling family in the city.

Saint Francis at the bottom might be a reference to a local Camaldolite prior called Francesco, who may have been involved in commissioning the altarpiece: in other Italian altarpieces the officials who were in charge of the commission had their patron saints included in smaller panels.

The National Gallery, London

London

Title

An Unknown Saint, Saint Cosmas and Saint Francis: Left Pilaster

Date

about 1420-4?

Medium

Egg tempera on wood

Measurements

H 9.8 x W 9.8 cm

Accession number

NG580.4

Acquisition method

Bought, 1857

Work type

Painting

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