Sacra Conversazione
by FRANCIA, Francesco, Gum tempera on wood, 173 x 171 cm
The influence of Perugino can be observed in this painting. The Virgin sits on an elevated throne with the Child making the blessing gesture. Two patron saints flank the throne: St Petronius with the city model of Bologna and St Luke with the bull. The relief ornaments on the base of the throne remind us that Francia was originally a goldsmith.