Lot number 3425 - Auction 150
DIE KRÖNUNG DER JUNGFRAU MARIA

MATTEO DI PACINO (Also: Matteo di Pacino di Duccio and possibly "Maestro della Cappella Rinuccini")First mentioned in 1359 in Florence - Last mentioned in 1394 in the same place THE CORONATION OF THE VIRGIN MARY Tempera on chalk ground on canvas, background and halos gilded, partially punched. 78 x 42 cm (F. 85 x 49 cm) (pointed arch at top). Old retouching, cracks, loss of substance in the gold ground, slight additions to the poliment gilding, old anobium infestation (inactive). Frame. This impressive panel depicting the coronation of Mary belongs iconographically to the so-called 'glorifying veneration of Mary' of the late Middle Ages. In an almond-shaped composition with a gold ground, Christ is shown placing a crown on the head of his mother Mary - an image that gained significance after the dogmatic consolidation of the Assumption of Mary in the 13th century, particularly in the Franciscan-influenced imagery of Italy. The two central figures are enthroned under a finely patterned canopy held by angels, which emphasises their sacred dignity and at the same time marks the heavenly sphere. The surrounding angels and saints are arranged in hierarchical groups, including the apostles, Church Fathers, saints and martyrs. Among them, one can recognise a bishop with a mitre and an attribute that refers to one of the four Latin Church Fathers (presumably Augustine). In the lower section, kneeling saints are gathered in prayer, possibly intended as donor figures or personified virtues. The stylistic features - the clearly contoured figures, the linear ornamentation, the fine punched gold decorations and the characteristic floral pattern of the background - suggest that it was created in Florence around the middle of the 14th century. The painting style, particularly in the physiognomy of the faces and the attention to detail in the garments, is strongly reminiscent of the work of Matteo di Pacino, a pupil and artistic successor of the important Andrea di Cione, known as Orcagna. Matteo di Pacino was documented in Florence between 1359 and 1380 and is best known for his participation in the painting of the chapel of the Compagnia di San Michele Arcangelo. His works show a deep rootedness in the style of the Orcagna school, with an increasing tendency towards narrative depth and devotional intensity. (In collaboration with ChatGPT, art history catalogue text for a panel depicting the Coronation of Mary, Matteo di Pacino, created on 24 July 2025 using OpenAI technology.) We are gratefull to Michele Danieli (Bologna) for classifying the work to Matteo Pacino and for his assistance. Provenance: Private collection, Berlin.