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Lot Essay
A photograph from the archive of Icilio Federico Joni (1866-1946), generously brought to our attention by Gianni Mazzoni, shows the painting in its state around 1930 or somewhat earlier, before the skilled Sienese restorer reconstructed most of the figure of the Madonna. Joni was the subject of a recent exhibition in Siena curated by Dr. Gianni Mazzoni: Falsi d'autore: Icilio Federico Joni e la cultura del falso tra Otto e Novecento, Siena, Santa Maria della Scala, 18 June-3 October 2004.
Ansano di Pietro di Mencio, known as Sano di Pietro, was the most consistently productive Sienese master of the mid-fifteenth century. While less is known about his early years, Sano's work is well documented from 1444 onwards. He executed numerous commissions in and around Siena, his compositions revealing the influence of other masters of the Sienese school, notably Sassetta and Domenico di Bartolo. Many of these works included depictions of the Franciscan preacher, Saint Bernardino, recognisable by his sunken cheeks.
Ansano di Pietro di Mencio, known as Sano di Pietro, was the most consistently productive Sienese master of the mid-fifteenth century. While less is known about his early years, Sano's work is well documented from 1444 onwards. He executed numerous commissions in and around Siena, his compositions revealing the influence of other masters of the Sienese school, notably Sassetta and Domenico di Bartolo. Many of these works included depictions of the Franciscan preacher, Saint Bernardino, recognisable by his sunken cheeks.