The artwork
For Pope Leo X's visit to Florence on 30 November 1515, a chapel was set up in the Santa Maria Novella complex, and on one of its walls Pontormo painted this Saint Veronica. It comes printed on handmade Amalfi paper, in a handmade frame.
- The saint kneeling on the clouds, in an orange robe, with the veil in her hands and a curtain behind her.
- A quiet, gathered figure, suited to an entrance hall or a reading corner.
- A gift for anyone who loves discovering the lesser-known places of Florence.
The chapel, now called the Pope's Chapel, was decorated by Ridolfo del Ghirlandaio and by Pontormo, who was then just over twenty.
According to tradition, Veronica wiped Christ's face on the road to Calvary, and the image remained imprinted on her veil. In the fresco, a lunette, the saint is among angels holding up a curtain; the print shows its central part, with the figure of the saint.
For a long time the chapel was closed to the public. Since 22 April 2017 it can be visited, by booking only, with Florence's civic museums.
In a bedroom, the orange of the robe warms the wall. And it is the right picture for a Veronica's name day.
Unique quality material
Print on handmade Amalfi paper
Sheet size: 29 x 42 cm (11.4 x 16.5 in)
Framed size: 31 x 44 cm (12.2 x 17.3 in)
Material: artwork printed on very fine handmade Amalfi paper with deckled edges
Frame: dark brown with a gold fillet, handmade, with glass
