Taddeo di Bartolo, Italian (active Siena and environs, Perugia, Pisa, and Genoa), first documented 1383, died 1422 – Saint Thomas Aquinas Submitting His Office of Corpus Domini to Pope Urban IV Philadelphia Museum of Art

The composition presents a scene unfolding within an architectural framework suggestive of a formal setting, possibly a papal court or cathedral. A central figure, kneeling and inclining his head towards a seated authority, dominates the foreground. He is adorned with a halo, immediately establishing him as a person of spiritual significance. The gesture of submission – lowering his face beneath a crown held by the seated figure – implies a relinquishment of power or responsibility.
The seated individual, richly attired in papal vestments and wearing a mitre, embodies temporal authority. His posture is one of regal composure, yet theres a certain stiffness to his demeanor that prevents an immediate sense of benevolence. He appears to be receiving the offering with a measured formality rather than overt warmth.
Flanking these two central figures are three additional individuals clad in crimson robes and hoods, their faces rendered with a similar degree of solemnity. They stand as witnesses to this exchange, their expressions unreadable, contributing to an atmosphere of gravity and ritualistic observance. The placement of these figures creates a sense of enclosure, emphasizing the importance and exclusivity of the event being depicted.
The background is characterized by a gold-leafed vault decorated with stars, which lends a celestial quality to the scene. This gilded backdrop reinforces the spiritual nature of the submission, suggesting divine sanction or oversight. Below this vault, an architectural element – a blue patterned frieze – provides a visual grounding for the composition and adds depth.
Subtleties within the painting suggest complex layers of meaning beyond a simple depiction of deference. The kneeling figure’s posture could be interpreted not merely as submission but also as humility or even resignation. The crown, rather than symbolizing power relinquished, might represent a burden or responsibility being passed on. The impassive faces of the observers introduce an element of ambiguity; are they approving, disapproving, or simply observing?
The overall effect is one of restrained drama and symbolic weight. The artist has created a scene that transcends a literal narrative, inviting contemplation about themes of authority, faith, and the burdens of responsibility within a hierarchical structure.