Christ Enthroned, the Virgin, St Francesca Romana, an Angel and Donor 1470

Antoniazzo Romano created this tempera and gold on panel altarpiece in Rome around the turn of the 16th century. It depicts Christ in glory with Mary, St Francesca Romana, an angel, and a donor. The work demonstrates the important role of religious institutions and patronage in the creation of art during the early Renaissance. Notice the prominent placement of the donor. His inclusion underscores the important role wealthy individuals played in funding artistic production during the period, as well as the status they acquired through such acts of generosity and display of devotion. St Francesca Romana was a local Roman saint, and this painting would have been placed in a church dedicated to her. We know that Antoniazzo Romano was one of the favored painters of the Roman Curia. To fully understand the social context of this painting, further research into the artist's biography, the history of the church where it was originally placed, and the identity of the donor would be essential. By examining these sources, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the complex interplay of religion, politics, and artistic production in Renaissance Rome.