Saint Matthew and Scenes from his Life

Florentine painter, sculptor and architect, Andrea Orcagna was charged in 1367 by the Arte del Cambio to paint a triptych to hang on a pillar of Orsanmichele's church: it had to represent Saint Matthew, the gild's patron. Completed by the artist's brother, Jacopo di Cione, the picture includes four scenes from Saint Matthew's life and the frame is decorated with Gothic patterns reflecting contemporary architecture; in the upper part the coat of arms of the Arte del Cambio, with gold coin on red ground.

The triptych was restored in 1981.

Suggested listening (streaming mp3, 8 minutes): Johann Sebastian Bach: St. Matthew Passion BWV 244 (excerpts)