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Wikimedia Commons · Public domain · Hover to magnify, click for fullscreen
Original fileMaria mit dem Kind in der Glorie von vier Heiligen verehrt Mary with the child adored by four saints
The Virgin sits within a glowing circular mandorla of light, surrounded by winged cherubim and holding the infant Christ. Below, a scholarly saint writes in a book while a monk kneels in prayer, balanced on the right by a kneeling Saint Jerome with his lion and a standing John the Baptist. The scene is set against a sprawling, naturalistic landscape featuring a winding river and distant architecture.
Produced in Florence during the peak of the Platonic Academy, this work reflects the Renaissance synthesis of Christian theology and Neoplatonic light metaphysics. The emphasis on the 'Logos' (represented by the child and the Gospel inscription) and the divine radiance aligns with the contemporary philosophical efforts of Marsilio Ficino to harmonize classical wisdom with scripture.
IN PRIN CIPIO ERAT VERBUM
Translation
In the beginning was the Word
Marsilio Ficino
Ghirlandaio's work in Florence reflects the Neoplatonic 'metaphysics of light' promoted by Ficino, where the mandorla represents the divine emanation.
Gospel of John
The book held by the saint on the left displays the opening of the Gospel, central to the Renaissance understanding of the Divine Word.
Object
Oil on panel
religious
Digital Source
Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
Staatliche Museen zu Berlin
Public domain
3922 × 4000 px
5f3baeed31081a76844bc383c9e1cbf04c925cdc
May 1, 2025
March 23, 2026
Linked Data
AI AI-cataloged fields generated by gemini-3-flash-preview on April 2, 2026. Getty identifiers are AI-inferred and may require verification.