Master of the Misericordia active in the third quarter of the 14th Century, Master of the Misericordia active in the third quarter of the 14th Century - Attributed Coronation of Mary

Oil on Panel, 66.5 × 46.5 cm

Mary and Christ are depicted seated on cushions, facing each other, upon a regal throne set against a golden background. With both hands, Christ reverently places the crown, signifying Mary as the Queen of Heaven, upon his mother's head. Mary, in a gesture of humility, bows her head and clasps her hands in her lap. The throne rests upon marble steps, flanked symmetrically by angels kneeling on either side, each holding flower vases. Notably, the vase on the left contains roses, symbolizing Mary as the Rosa Mystica, adorned with a thornless rose. The back wall of the throne is covered with red, patterned fabric. Mary is wearing an orange robe and a white cloak, while Christ is attired in a pink robe and a blue cloak. The angels are dressed in robes of blue, white, and green, with the color scheme carefully coordinated to complement Mary and Christ's attire. The harmonious, symmetrical composition, crowned by an arch embellished with oak leaf motifs, gives a sense of dignity and grace.

This composition draws inspiration from Giotto's central panel of the Baroncelli Polyptych, dated circa 1334, housed in the Baroncelli Chapel of Santa Croce in Florence. Noteworthy artistic renditions influenced by this masterpiece include Bernardo Daddi's "Coronation of the Virgin Mary" from around 1340, currently held at the National Gallery in London, and Jacopo da Cione's "Coronation of the Virgin Mary" in the polyptych of San Pier Maggiore in Florence, circa 1370/71, also housed at the National Gallery in London. Oil on Panel, 66.5 × 46.5 cm