Artwork Page for Embroidered Tondo from an Altar Frontal: The Coronation of the Virgin

Details / Information for Embroidered Tondo from an Altar Frontal: The Coronation of the Virgin

Embroidered Tondo from an Altar Frontal: The Coronation of the Virgin

1459

Italy, Florence

Medium
Embroidery with gold, silver, and silk thread; split, satin, and couching stitches, or nué (shaded gold)
Measurements
Overall: 57.8 x 57.8 cm (22 3/4 x 22 3/4 in.)
Credit Line
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1953.129
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print

Description

This masterpiece of Florentine embroidery takes the circular form called a tondo and was likely once attached to an altar frontal. The scene depicts the coronation of the Virgin, the final and culminating event in the narrative cycle of her life. Honoring her as queen of heaven, Christ places the crown on his mother’s head. They are surrounded by eight angels as well as Saints Verdiana and John Gualberto, both much esteemed in Florence, creating a joyous scene. During the Renaissance, Florence emerged as an important center for a specific type of embroidery known as or nué, or shaded gold. This stunning technique used metal and silk threads, as seen here, to create pictures that rivaled paintings. It was frequently used for vestments and altar frontals.
Embroidery within a tondo, a circular shape, with fine details as to appear like a painting depicting bearded Christ seated facing Mary, placing a crown on her head. They are flanked by two saints and circled along the edge of the tondo by eight angels, six holding instruments and two holding a red-patterned fabric behind them. They all have light skin tone and wear blue and red colored garments with gold detailed patterns.

Embroidered Tondo from an Altar Frontal: The Coronation of the Virgin

1459

Italy, Florence

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