CORONATION OF THE VIRGIN – By Jacopo

The Italian Gothic painter Jacopo di Cione worked in the Republic of Florence during the Gothic period. He painted this incredible masterpiece in 1372.

He was born in Florence between 1320 and 1330 and is closely related to his three older brothers, Andrea di Cione di Arcangelo ( called Orcagna ), Nardo di Cione and Matteo di Cione. The di Cione ( pronounced dee choh’ nay ) brothers often worked collaboratively. Jacopo lived in the popolo Sancte Marie Novelle and, later in life, in the popolo Sancti Laurentii.

The panel painting was commissioned by the magistrates of the Mint and is also known as the ‘Altarpiece of the Mint‘. The scenery is heavily embellished with gold, as was typical for its time, and inspires strong religious feelings.

The painting was restored in 2011 and is now on display at the Galería de la Academia. The painting glows because of the base of the golden colour used. Since the magistrates of the Mint ordered this painting, Jacopo Di Cione decided to leave a mark on it in the painting.

The Coronation of the Virgin is an absolute masterpiece, dazzling in its preciousness because of the abundant gold used. Not to mention the detailed figures’ fabrics and drapery. The panel is unique in its genre and will provide you with invaluable information about Florence‘s history.