The Intercession of Christ and the Virgin

Lorenzo Monaco (Piero di Giovanni)

before 1402 · Tempera on canvas · The Cloisters

From its original location behind the altar of the Trinity at Florence cathedral, this image would have been visible across the entire length of the church. Mary, holding her breast, says to Jesus, "Dearest son, because of the milk that I gave you, have mercy on them." Jesus, touching the wound in his side, gazes up and asks, "My father, let those be saved for whom you wished me to suffer the Passion" as God the Father sends the Dove of the Holy Spirit down from Heaven.

Artist

Lorenzo Monaco (Piero di Giovanni)

Date

before 1402

Medium

Tempera on canvas

Culture

Italian

Department

The Cloisters

Credit line

The Cloisters Collection, 1953