Margaritone of Arezzo – The Virgin and Child Enthroned, with Narrative Scenes Part 5 National Gallery UK

The composition presents a central figure of a woman seated on a throne, framed by a mandorla – an almond-shaped aureole – typical of Byzantine iconography. She holds a child in her lap, both figures rendered with solemn expressions and elongated features characteristic of the period’s artistic conventions. The woman is crowned, signifying her elevated status within a religious context. Her garments are dark, contrasting sharply with the vibrant red of the thrones skirt, which draws immediate attention to its opulent nature.
Surrounding this central scene are eight smaller narrative panels arranged in two rows above and below the main figures. These vignettes appear to depict episodes from a story, though their precise sequence is not immediately clear without further contextual knowledge. The scenes are densely populated with figures engaged in various actions – some seem to be mourning, others gesturing dramatically, while still others interact with animals or fantastical creatures. A recurring motif of winged beings appears within several panels, suggesting an angelic presence or divine intervention.
The artist employed a limited palette dominated by gold, ochre, deep reds, and browns. The gold leaf background creates a sense of otherworldly splendor, emphasizing the sacred nature of the central figures. The use of linear perspective is rudimentary; depth is suggested through size variation rather than accurate spatial representation. Figures are presented in profile or with frontal views, contributing to the stylized quality of the work.
The arrangement of the narrative scenes around the enthroned Virgin and Child suggests a didactic purpose – likely intended to instruct viewers about a specific religious story or moral lesson. The inclusion of these smaller panels transforms the central image from a simple devotional icon into a complex visual sermon. The overall effect is one of solemnity, piety, and an attempt to convey profound spiritual meaning through a combination of symbolic imagery and narrative storytelling. The work’s format – a horizontal panel – implies it was likely intended for display in a public space such as a church or chapel, serving as a focal point for contemplation and worship.