SANTA MARIA GLORIOSA DEI FRARI
Madonna & Child
This painting reflects strong Byzantine influence in its gold background, frontal figures, and hierarchical composition, where the Madonna and Child dominate the scene. At the same time, elements of Gothic naturalism appear in the more individualized faces and the subtle sense of interaction between the Doge and the sacred figures
COMMISSIONED
Doge Francesco Dandolo
Elisabetta Contarini (wife)
ARTIST
Paolo Veneziano
COMPLETED
∼1339
MEDIUM
oil on panel
INTERACTIVE OVERVIEW
Whats Happening Here
TAP THE IMAGE TO EXPLORE DETAILS
DOGE FRANCESCO DANDOLO
DETAIL 1
The Doges' nobility is shown by the gold (faded now) spurs revealed beneath his robe and the unmistakeable Doge’s cap.
The Doge is presented directly to the infant Jesus by his name-saint, Saint Francis.
Notice how humbly his wife is dressed directly opposite him, not a symbol of nobility on her.
DOGES WIFE
DETAIL 2
Elisabetta Contarini, is presented to Mary by her patron saint, Saint Elizabeth of Portugal (or Hungary-have seen both). She commissioned this lunette soon after her husband's death.
The House of Contarini is one of the twelve founding families of the Venetian Republic. In total eight Doges to the Republic of Venice emerged from this family, as well as 44 Procurators of San Marco, numerous ambassadors, diplomats and other notables.
ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI
DETAIL 3
How do we know this is St Francis?
He will be dressed in the Franciscan robe and the big tell will be wounds from the stigmata he received.
Brown robe: Yes
3 knot belt: Yes
Stigmata: Yes
Tonsure (shaved head): Yes
ST ELISABETH OF HUNGARY
DETAIL 4
Royal life, humble choices
How to spot this Saint
-Roses → charity legend
-Crown → royal status
-Basket of food → aid to the poor
(These are typical—may not appear here)
Quick history:
A 13th-century Hungarian princess who devoted her life to caring for the poor. She gave away her wealth and became known for acts of charity.
In this painting:
Identified by name rather than symbols. She may also represent St Elizabeth of Portugal and likely connects to the patron Elisabetta Contarini.
THE VIRGIN MARY AND CHILD
DETAIL 5
Notice the byzantine style: long flat faces, almond eyes, shapeless bodies, long hands, gold background, and individuals proportioned according to importance, which is why the VM and baby Jesus are so big.
COAT OF ARMS
DETAIL 6
Dandalo coat of arms.
SARCHOPHAGUS OF DOGE DANDOLO
DETAIL 7
The Doge is laid to rest in a Byzantine style urn which was once entirely covered in gold. The front relief shows the Death of The VM surrounded by the apostles.
HISTORICAL OVERVIEW
The Story Behind the Monument
A Ducal Image
This painting is one of the earliest known ducal votive images, showing the Doge presented before the Madonna and Child as a representative of the Venetian state. Its composition became a standard model for similar works in Venice, linking political authority with divine favor.
Votive offerings: (art created to fulfill a religious vow) give thanks for a victory, or seek divine protection for the Venetian Republic.
The composition: An image of the Doge kneeling in prayer before a sacred figure, typically the Virgin Mary, Christ, or Saint Mark.
A Monument Above and Below
Below the painting is the tomb of Doge Dandolo, located in the chapter house rather than inside the main church.
A Civic Setting
The tomb is not located in the church but the Chapter houses. Where meetings and administrative affairs took place, typically accessed through the cloister, as in this case. Dandolo intended his tomb to serve as an official state monument, requesting in his will “an honorable and worthy tomb, with as little pomp and vanity as possible,” while still reflecting the dignity of Venice.
An Early Venetian Painter
The artist, Paolo Veneziano, was one of the first painters in Venice to be known by name. This work is also one of his few surviving paintings still in its original location.
