Sacra Conversazione with Tobias and the Angel
Bonifacio De'Pitati (Called Bonifacio Veronese)
Italian (Venetian School), 1487-1553
c. 1540–1543
Oil on canvas
Gift of the Samuel H. Kress Foundation
A sacra conversazione or ‘sacred conversation’ is a private devotional image which became popular in the early 16th century. These scenes had no basis in scripture or Catholic doctrine. These paintings contained the Virgin and Child surrounded by any number of saints. In this painting are Catherine of Alexandria receiving her crown, Jerome and Mark (saints associated with Venice), Tobias and the Angel (protectors of travelers), and Saints Peter (with his keys) and Joseph.