Description
The painting features a mainly vertical architectural setting, under which a high octagonal podium with the Virgin's throne. The base is decorated by tiles (with the Massacre of the Innocents, Adoration of the Magi and the Presentation in the Temple) which simulated antique bas-reliefs and were inspired by the altar of the Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua by Donatello.
The base supports columns with mouldings and decorations of garlands, dishes and marble rings, while in the background is a stormy sea. The latter is a reference to the legendary foundation of Santa Maria in Porto, when the Crusader Pietro degli Onesti, after escaping a shipwreck, made a vow to entitle a church to the Virgin Mary in exchange for his miraculous salvation.
The throne is enclosed in a niche with reliefs, and stands on a carpet. At the sides are red curtains. The four saints are St. Augustine, the blessed Pietro (below), St. Elizabeth and St. Anne (above, at the sides of the Virgin).
The whole composition is an example of the pyramidal structure introduced by Antonello da Messina in the Holy Conversation scheme after 1475.
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