Giannicola di Paolo (c. 1460-1544), Madona with child

Giannicola di Paolo (c. 1460–1544), also known as Giannicola di Paolo Manni or Smicca, was an Italian painter of the Renaissance period, active mainly in Perugia. He was born in Città della Pieve. His most prominent work is the Madonna delle Grazie in the Duomo of Perugia. He was a pupil of Pietro Perugino, but was also influenced by Raphael. The panel depicts the Madonna and Child between Saints Peter and Paul with a composition that is typical of Umbrian Renaissance painting. It is in fact a classic Sacra Conversazione conceived for individual devotion that is organised with a very narrow view of the central group, in this case seen in three-quarter view, seated on a throne, flanked by two saints recognisable because they are painted with the usual iconography. On the left is Peter showing the two large keys he holds in his hand, while on the other side is Saint Paul pointing to the sword, the symbol of his martyrdom. Fresco glued on marble plate , 77 x 65 cm .