Saint Gregory the Great (in pinnacle: a Prophet) c. 1334

Editor: Here we have Bernardo Daddi's Saint Gregory the Great. I’m struck by the stark contrast between the gold leaf and the very human depiction of the saint. What can you tell me about the materiality of this piece? Curator: Consider the wood panel itself. Daddi, working in 14th-century Florence, likely employed locally sourced timber. The gilding process would have involved meticulously applying gold leaf, a costly material reflecting the church's economic power. How does the value of materials speak to the purpose of the artwork? Editor: So, it's not just about the image but also about the economic and social implications of making it. I never thought about that. Curator: Exactly! The craft and expense are integral to understanding its meaning and function within its original context. Now, consider the labor involved in its creation.