Panel from a polyptych

Art Historical Context

This slender wood panel, hailing from 14th-century Siena, part of a larger polyptych—a multiled altarpiece common in medieval Italian churches. Measuring just 20 5/8 × 7 inches, it likely served as a frame element, showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship of Sienese workshops during the city's Gothic heyday. Siena rivaled Florence as a hub of artistic innovation, producing ornate religious art that emphasized elegance, intricate detailing, and spiritual devotion. As a survivor from this era, the reflects the Sienese mastery of wood carving and framing techniques, designed to encase vivid temper...