Art UK has updated its cookies policy. By using this website you are agreeing to the use of cookies. To find out more read our updated Use of Cookies policy and our updated Privacy policy.

Virgin and Child with Saints Francis and Lucy

Image credit: Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales

How you can use this image

This image can be used for non-commercial research or private study purposes, and other UK exceptions to copyright permitted to users based in the United Kingdom under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, as amended and revised. Any other type of use will need to be cleared with the rights holder(s).

Review the copyright credit lines that are located underneath the image, as these indicate who manages the copyright (©) within the artwork, and the photographic rights within the image.

The collection that owns the artwork may have more information on their own website about permitted uses and image licensing options.

Review our guidance pages which explain how you can reuse images, how to credit an image and how to find images in the public domain or with a Creative Commons licence available.

Notes

Add or edit a note on this artwork that only you can see. You can find notes again by going to the ‘Notes’ section of your account.

Allori was born and trained in Florence. This altarpiece was commissioned by Cardinal Ferdinando de Medici as a gift for the new villa of Felice Peretti, Cardinal Montalto, elected Pope Sixtus V in 1585. The Latin inscription on the step beneath the Virgin's bed may be translated: 'Painted by Alessandro Allori, citizen of Florence, pupil of Agnolo Bronzino 1583'. The Christ Child raises his arm in blessing, attended by two angels bearing honey and butter, an allusion to the prophecy of Isaiah. At his feet, kneeling as if before an altar, are Saint Francis and Saint Lucy. Both had a special significance for Cardinal Montalto, a member of the Franciscan order, born on Saint Lucy's feast day, December 13. The latter holds a bowl with her dowry money which she gave to the poor and a yoke from the oxen meant to drag her to execution.

Title

Virgin and Child with Saints Francis and Lucy

Date

1583

Medium

oil on canvas

Measurements

H 256.5 x W 167.6 cm

Accession number

NMW A 3

Acquisition method

purchased, 1970

Work type

Painting

National Museum Cardiff

Cathays Park, Cardiff (Caerdydd) CF10 3NP Wales

This venue is open to the public. Not all artworks are on display. If you want to see a particular artwork, please contact the venue.
View venue