Madonna in Glory between Saint Francis and Saint Clare

This early work from around 1390 shows the young Gentile da Fabriano developing his signature style in the Marche region of central Italy. The composition of the Madonna flanked by Saints Francis and Clare reflects Franciscan devotional traditions that were deeply rooted in the painter's native territory around Fabriano. Characteristic of the artist's mature approach, the work displays sumptuous gold and jewel-like color, elegant courtly figures in elaborate brocade, lyrical narrative, exquisite surface detail in goldwork and textiles.

Tempera and gold on panel, the work reveals the artist's early adoption of soft modeling and decorative surface treatment that would become hallmarks of his mature International Gothic style.