The Assumption of the Virgin with Saints Gregory the Great and Benedict
Religious altarpiece, painting on wood panel • Pinturicchio (Bernardino di Betto) or Workshop of Pinturicchio
Style & Movement
Transition from Early to High Italian Renaissance (Umbrian School)
Medium & Technique
Tempera and oil on poplar panel with gold leaf; features include fine glazing, punchwork in the gilding, and the use of 'cangante' color shifts in the garments.
Creation Period
Circa 1490–1500
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 280 x 200 cm; Large vertical rectangular format (Portrait)
Subject Description
The Mandorla contains the Virgin Mary ascending, surrounded by cherubim. Below, Pope Gregory the Great (left) and Saint Benedict (right) kneel in prayer. The composition features a deep landscape with thin, 'feathered' Umbrian trees and rocky outcrops, symbolizing the bridge between the celestial and terrestrial realms.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the panel appears stable with some evidence of historic cradling and minor retouching consistent with age.
Estimated Market Value
$1,500,000 - $3,500,000 (Based on the value of major Umbrian Renaissance panels in private hands)
Auction Estimate
$1,200,000 - $2,500,000
Provenance History
Originally commissioned for a monastic or cathedral setting in central Italy (Umbria or Rome area); documented in collections of the Capodimonte or similar major Italian cultural institutions.
Art Historical Significance
A quintessential example of the Umbrian style that influenced Raphael. It demonstrates the sophisticated decorative aesthetic and landscape integration characteristic of the late 15th-century Papal court artists.
Notable Features
Highly detailed papal tiara at the feet of St. Gregory; the intricate 'embroidered' saints on Gregory's pluvial (cape); and the mandorla radiating light in a sunburst pattern.
Condition Issues
Fine craquelure across the surface, slight yellowing of old varnish, and minor abrasions along the frame edges. Minimal losses to the gold leaf in the halos.
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain in a climate-controlled environment with 50% relative humidity. Use UV-filtered lighting and consider a light surface cleaning to remove oxidized varnish if deemed safe by a conservator.