7Giotto’s Stefaneschi Triptych: a pearl of medieval painting
Among the masterpieces of the rich collection of the Vatican Pinacoteca, the famous Stefaneschi Triptych by Giotto and workshop between 1315 and 1320 is certainly not to be missed.
The work was commissioned by Cardinal Jacopo Caetani degli Stefaneschi for the ancient basilica of S. Pietro and it was painted on both sides, to be admired by both the faithful and the members of the clergy. On the side facing the clergy, Christ enthroned with Angels and the client, the Crucifixion of St. Peter and the Martyrdom of St. Paul, are represented in the predella The Madonna and Child with the Twelve Apostles. On the side facing the faithful, on the other hand, St. Peter enthroned with Cardinal Stefaneschi, Pope Celestine I and the Saints are depicted. Giacomo, Paolo, Giovanni Evangelista and Andrea and a fragment of predella with three saints.
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