Philip the Apostle and Saint Leonard (In trefoil, Saint Francis of Assisi) Giotto di Bondone (1266-1337)

This is a Gothic-style altarpiece. The painting is framed by a gilded structure with intricate carvings, reminiscent of architectural elements like columns and arches.

The main panel is divided into two sections, each containing a saint.

On the left, Saint Philip the Apostle is depicted. He is an older man with a long, gray beard and flowing hair. He wears a blue robe with a pink mantle draped over his shoulders, revealing shades of yellow and blue underneath. He holds a book in his left hand and a cross staff in his right, signifying his apostleship and martyrdom.

On the right, Saint Leonard of Noblac is shown. He is younger, with short blond hair. He wears a green robe and mantle, and holds a book in his right hand. In his left hand, he carries a key, symbolizing his patronage of prisoners, and a crozier, indicating his monastic order.

Above these two saints, in the triangular apex of the altarpiece, is a portrait of Saint Francis of Assisi. He is depicted as a friar in a brown habit, holding a book.

The background of the entire painting is rendered in gold leaf, a common practice in medieval and Renaissance art to represent divinity and a heavenly realm. The figures are placed within arched niches, further enhancing the architectural feel.

Subtexts:

• The representation of saints: The presence of these specific saints signifies their importance within the religious context for which the altarpiece was created. Saint Philip is one of the twelve apostles, foundational figures of Christianity. Saint Leonard is known for his compassion and efforts in freeing captives. Saint Francis is the founder of the Franciscan order, celebrated for his piety, poverty, and love for creation.
• Symbolism: The objects held by the saints are symbolic: the books represent scripture and wisdom, the cross staff symbolizes martyrdom, and the key signifies liberation. The crozier represents spiritual authority.
• Hierarchy: The placement of Saint Francis above the other two saints might suggest a particular emphasis on his cult or a broader representation of monasticism and spiritual leadership.
• Gothic artistic conventions: The overall style, including the gold background, arched structures, and the flattened perspective, are characteristic of Gothic art, aiming to evoke a sense of the sacred and supernatural.
• Patronage: Altarpieces were commissioned by wealthy patrons or religious institutions. The choice of saints could reflect the specific devotions or affiliations of these patrons.