STEFANO DI SANT'AGNESE

The inscription on the bottom step of the throne reads: MCCCLXXXI / STEFAN / PLEBANUS / SCE AGNET / PINXIT

The painting is signed by Srefano, who again describes himself as a “parishioner” of Sant’Agnese.

The polyptych together with two others, all executed by Antonio Vivarini and Giovanni d’Alemagna, are in the Chapel of San Tarasio in the church of San Zaccaria.

The polyptych of the Virgin (c. 1444) is the work of Antonio Vivarini and Giovanni d’Alemagna except for the three panels on the front that portray the Virgin and Child, and Sts Blaise and Martin. These three panels were signed and dated 1385 by Stefano di Sant’Agnese. With regard to the Virgin and Child, the expression ‘sacra conversazione’ between a solicitous and sweet mother and an attentive and affectionate child proves its appropriateness. At the sides of the throne “armrests” are formed by two small mock sculpture. This is the first time mock sculpture appears in the history of Venetian art.

The inscription lower left reads: MCCCLXVIIII /ADI XI AVOS / TO.STEF / PLEB.SCE AGN.P.

The artist describes himself as a plebanus, or “parishioner” of Sant’Agnese.