Virgin and Child with the Infant Saint John the Baptist, Saint Francis, and Three Angels
Circle of Fra Bartolommeo, probably Mariotto Albertinelli
Italian (Florentine School), 1474–1515
c. 1510
Oil on panel
Gift of the Samuel H. Kress Foundation
The tondo, or round painting, became a popular shape for domestic paintings in Florence in the first half of the 15th century. Saint Francis kneels at the left. Saint John the Baptist presents Christ with half a pomegranate.The pomegranate has contains numerous seeds in a protective case which symbolizes the church and its flock. The goldfinch symbolizes man’s soul and Christ’s passion. It is drinking from the baptismal waters representing man’s salvation.