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

The fragment presents a close-up view of a figure within a larger composition. The central focus is on the lower portion of a womans body and her hands. She wears a long, flowing garment in shades of green, meticulously rendered with vertical folds that suggest both volume and a sense of restrained movement. A crimson cloak drapes over one shoulder and arm, its rich color providing a striking contrast to the muted tones of the underdress.
The woman holds a pale vessel, possibly a chalice or basin, delicately cradled in her hands. The gesture is gentle, almost reverent, hinting at an association with purity or sacrifice. A slender staff is held alongside the vessel, its surface marked by subtle vertical lines that echo the folds of the clothing.
The background reveals a dark field punctuated by stylized floral motifs rendered in gold. These decorative elements are distributed across the space, creating a sense of depth and visual interest while maintaining a degree of formality. The limited view suggests a deliberate cropping, isolating specific details to emphasize their symbolic weight.
Subtly, the composition conveys an atmosphere of solemnity and piety. The woman’s posture and the objects she holds imply a narrative or devotional context. The careful attention to detail in the rendering of fabric and form indicates a desire for realism within a framework of idealized representation. The gold floral patterns suggest wealth and patronage, likely indicating that this is part of a work commissioned by someone of importance.