Thursday, September 15, 2016

Madonna of the Franciscans





Madonna of the Franciscans by Duccio di Buoninsegna, Siena, Italy

The oldest painting of Our Lady of Mercy, a small panel called the Madonna of the Franciscans was painted by Duccio di Buoninsegna c. 1280Originally painted for a Franciscan monastery, the painting now hangs in the Pinacoteca Nazionale in Siena, Italy.  Three Franciscan friars kneeling in the foreground seek refuge under Our Lady’s cloak while four angels look on from above.  Mary’s face is turned toward the viewer while the Infant Jesus extends a blessing to the friars.