Jacobello del Fiore

Jacobello del Fiore - Coronation of the Virgin - 1438 - Tempera on panel, 283 x 303 cm - Gallerie dell'Accademia, Venice (click photo for larger image)Early Italian Renaissance painter Jacobello del Fiore (1370-1439) was a Venetian painter, who broke away from the Byzantine influenced tradition. He was influenced by the International Gothic style of the early 15th century. In this painting, Mary sits on Jesus' right, on a multi-level Gothic throne, where ee places a crown on her head. The multitude of figures restrained by the strict frames of architecture emphasize the rigid ceremoniousness of the scene--and are also quite representative of the Gothic style that preceded the Renaissance. This work is as much a delight of colors and patterns as it is a narrative. However, it does contain a lot of symbolism that does indeed tell a story and provide identifying information. For example, on the right we see patriarchs and apostles, on the left prophets and martyrs. Below saints and holy virgins are lined up; they can be recognized by the scrolls in their hands. For all of the renown of Renaissance art--it is this type of early work of that era, which remained very Gothic in style, that would have the greatest influence on later developments in Modern art.