St Francis and St Mathew by Giovanni di Paolo 1435

This is the right hand panel of a major altarpiece by Giovanni di Paolo. A scene from the base (predella) is also in the MET Museum, and shows the presentation in the Temple. Giovanni found inspiration for his large figures in the sculpture of his great compatriot, Jacopo della Quercia. The haloes are foreshortened to emphasize the angle of the heads.

(Tempera on wood, with gold background, 1435)