Signorelli, Luca (c.1445-1523)
Assunzione della Vergine con i Santi Michele e Benedetto (The Assumption of the Virgin with Saints Michael and Benedict)
c.1493–1496
Oil and gold on wood, 170.8 x 131.4 cm
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
This altarpiece combines the Assumption of the Virgin with two saints—the Archangel Michael subduing Satan, and Benedict. It was painted about 1493–95 for the Olivetan convent of Saint Michael in the artist’s native Cortona. Although Signorelli designed the altarpiece and must also have painted the Virgin and Saint Benedict, other parts may be by an assistant. Much of the picture is abraded but the Virgin and Saint Benedict are relatively well preserved. The frame is sixteenth century. (MET)