Saint Ursula with Angels and Donor, 1455, 47x28.6 Benozzo (Benozzo di Lese) Gozzoli (c.1420-1497)

The composition presents a central female figure dominating the foreground, framed by two flanking angelic figures set against a dark background punctuated with floral motifs. The woman is depicted in profile, her gaze directed towards the viewer, and she holds a banner or flag that partially obscures her body. A golden halo surrounds her head, inscribed with lettering identifying her as Sancta Vreva Virgo.
The artist employed a restrained palette of greens, reds, golds, and whites, creating a sense of solemnity and reverence. The woman’s attire consists of a green tunic beneath a crimson cloak lined with elaborate gold embroidery. Her hair is styled in loose curls, partially concealed by a white veil. The angelic figures are rendered in flowing green robes, their wings subtly suggested through shading and implied movement.
The backgrounds dark hue serves to emphasize the luminosity of the central figure and the angels, drawing attention to their spiritual significance. The floral patterns scattered across the darkness introduce an element of decorative richness while also potentially symbolizing purity or a paradisiacal setting.
Subtleties in the rendering suggest a deliberate focus on conveying piety and virtue. The woman’s expression is serene and contemplative, evoking a sense of inner strength and faith. The angels postures convey a gentle supportiveness, reinforcing her elevated status. The inscription within the halo serves as a direct declaration of her sanctity, solidifying her identity and purpose within the narrative.
The presence of the floral motifs in the background could be interpreted as symbolic representations of earthly beauty juxtaposed with the divine realm, hinting at the woman’s transcendence beyond the material world. Overall, the painting conveys a message of faith, devotion, and the enduring power of spiritual ideals through carefully considered composition and symbolism.