Madonna and Child with the Dead Christ, Saints Agnes and Catherine of Alexandria, and Two Angels 1465 - 1475

This tempera on poplar altarpiece, painted between 1465 and 1475 by Sienese artist Sano di Pietro, is a prime example of Early Renaissance art. Featuring the Virgin Mary cradling the Christ Child, the painting is flanked by saints Agnes and Catherine of Alexandria. The intricate details of the clothing and the realistic portrayal of the figures, especially the Virgin’s melancholic expression, are hallmarks of Sano di Pietro’s style. The predella below features scenes from the Passion of Christ, further illustrating the devotional purpose of the artwork. The piece is a testament to the artistic dynamism of the Sienese school during the Early Renaissance, and it exemplifies the shift towards more naturalism in depicting sacred themes.