The Virgin and Child Enthroned

Gentile da Fabriano (c.1370– 1427) was one of the leading Italian masters of the International Gothic. He influenced such painters as Fra Angelico and Jacopo Bellini.

Not much is known about his early years and there is even some doubt about the year he was born. The date of this work is equally uncertain. It was presumably an altarpiece or part of the decoration of a tomb – or even both.

Mary is seated on a throne with the Christ Child standing on her lap. While she holds him with both hands, he blesses the donor kneeling before them.

Behind the throne are two trees ...

... from whose branches many angels play musical instruments.

Facing Mary on either side of the throne stand two saints. On her right is St Nicolas of Bari, wearing a sumptuous vermillion robe studded with stars.

In his right hand he holds his attributes: a crozier and, in a fold of his robe, three golden balls.

His left hand is held above the donor, as if blessing him, while at the same time recommending him to the Virgin.

To the left of the Virgin stands St Catherine of Alexandria, a princess and Christian martyr, holding a martyr’s palm and a book. At his feet is a tiny wheel, which was one of the instruments of her martyrdom.

Her elegant robe is adorned with a delicate pattern of flowering twigs and is lined with white fur.

Kneeling in the foreground, the donor has distinctive features that must have been immediately identifiable at the outset.

Unfortunately, the identity of this character escapes us. The key to the enigma is undoubtedly the mysterious monogram at the foot of the donor.