Four Paintings

Triptych

Religious concerns in 14th century Florence

The consequences of dying in a state of sin were made apparent to the laity through the preaching of the friars...

Mendicant Orders

Originally restricted to Franciscans and Dominicans, other orders later gained the privileges of mendicant friars...

Saints

Cities and churches were dedicated to particular saints, and children were given names of saints at their baptism...

Devotional images and objects

Images were seen as an important aid to the devotional process...

Where would the devotional object be?

Images for private devotion were found increasingly in Italian houses from the 14th century...

Popular books in 14th century Florence

The Golden Legend, Meditations on the Life of Christ, and The Craftsman Handbook were widely read...

The silk industry in 14th century Florence

Textiles in the triptych were reminiscent of the silks traded from the East and being produced in Italy...