Madonna and Child Enthroned with Saint John the Evangelist, Saint Peter, Saint Agnes, Saint Catherine of Alexandria, Saint Lucy, an Unidentified Female Saint, Saint Paul, and Saint John the Baptist, with Eve and the Serpent; the Annunciation

Art Historical Context

This magnificent tempera on wood panel by Paolo di Giovanni Fei, Sienese painter active in the late 14th century dates to around 1385–90. Measuring about 34 x 23 inches with its ornate engaged frame, it exemplifies the gold-ground technique typical of Italian Gothic altarpieces. The shimmering gold leaf evokes heavenly radiance, while delicate tempera glazes create luminous figures, a hallmark of Sienese influenced by masters like Duccio. At the center, the Virgin Mary enthrones the Christ Child, surrounded by an impressive assembly of saints: John the Evangelist and Peter on one side; Agnes, Catherine of Alexandria, Lucy, an unidentified female saint, Paul, and John the Baptist on the other. Below, Eve confronts the Serpent, a poignant reminder of original sin redeemed by the Incarnation, while the Annunciation unfolds nearby. This crowded yet harmonious "sacra conversazione" blends devotion and narrative, inviting worshippers to contemplate salvation history. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Robert Lehman Collection, Fei's work reflects Siena's vibrant late Gothic tradition, where religious icons fostered spiritual intimacy in churches and homes. Its intricate iconography underscores the era's theological depth, making it a captivating window into medieval piety.

About the Artist

Paolo di Giovanni Fei · 1369–1411

Paolo di Giovanni Fei (c. 1345–c. 1411) emerged as a distinctive voice in the Sienese school of painting, a tradition rooted in Siena's medieval artistic heritage. Originally from San Quirico near Castelvecchio, he settled in Siena by 1369, when records document his membership in the city's General Council, indicating he had already reached adulthood. By 1389, he appeared in the register of the pa...