The artwork “Saints Augustin and Francis, a Bishop Saint, and Saint Benedict” is attributed to Filippo Lippi and is dated circa 1452 to circa 1464. Executed in tempera on wood, this piece is a notable example of Early Renaissance religious painting. The artwork is currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met) in New York City, NY, US.
In the artwork, four saints are meticulously depicted, each characterized by distinct attributes and iconography typical of the period and intended to signify their religious roles and importance. The composition highlights the spiritual significance and reverence afforded to these figures within the context of Renaissance art. The saints are dressed in traditional ecclesiastical garments, with each element rendered with careful attention to detail, enhancing the solemn and sacred atmosphere of the piece. The use of tempera on wood exemplifies the medium-preferred during this era, contributing to the work’s texture and depth. Together, these elements underscore Filippo Lippi’s mastery in capturing the devotional and symbolic essence of the sacred subjects.
