Saint John on Patmos, Madonna and Child Enthroned, and Death of the Virgin; The Crucifixion 1303 - 1320

Pacino di Bonaguida painted this diptych in Florence around 1330, using tempera paint and gold leaf on wood. Tempera involves mixing pigment with egg yolk, creating a fast-drying, matte finish. The gold leaf, applied meticulously, would have shimmered in candlelight, emphasizing the sacred nature of the scenes. Creating this work demanded the skilled labor of panel preparation, pigment grinding, and the precise application of paint and gold. The diptych’s small size suggests it was made for private devotion. The choice of materials, from the humble egg yolk to precious gold, reflects the intersection of earthly craft and divine subject matter that was characteristic of trecento painting. Looking at the painting, it’s clear how Bonaguida’s engagement with materials and process gives the work its enduring power. It’s a testament to the value of craft in conveying deep spiritual meaning.