Title of Art: Pentecost
Artist: Orcagna
Art Form: Painting
Date of Composition: 1365-1370
Event: Pentecost
Subjects: Mary, Mother of God
Ritual Pose/Object: book, flame
Exhibit Institution: La Galleria dell'Accademia di Firenze (Gallery of the Academy of Florence)
Exhibit Location: Florence, Italy
VM Image #: 0010
Photographer: Shala Graham
Date of Photograph: January 8, 2023
Featured on Podcast: Listen to Podcast
Download: 
Full View:
Mary appears as a central figure in this depiction of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit, depicted as a white bird, descended in the form of tongues of fire. Mary's vertical presence dominates the space with the six kneeling apostles around her; she is clasping a red book in front of her.
Pentecost is not a frequent theme in art, especially after the Middle Ages. In the outer panels of the triptych, three apostles converge toward Mary in the center panel. One of the apostles looks towards the viewer, drawing us into the scene. Two angels in flight are witnesses of the event. The image is austere with little decoration except for the frame and the fabric lining the floor. The artist was likely an architect and sculptor as well, given the measure and balance of the work. The artwork was originally housed in the high altar of the Church of Santi Apostoli in Florence.