Recognizing Figures in Late Medieval and Renaissance Painting

Importance of Legibility

Artists in late medieval and renaissance periods developed conventions to help audiences identify figures in paintings.
The ability to recognize figures helps viewers imagine stories around divine figures.

Virgin Mary (Madonna)
- Often depicted holding the Christ child on her lap.
- Occasionally seated on a throne, symbolizing her status as queen of heaven.
- Accompanied by angels (identified by wings).
Jesus Christ
- Frequently shown in scenes such as the crucifixion.
- Mary, often seen mourning at the crucifixion scene, with Saint John.

Saints are frequently depicted in this era and are distinguishable by their attributes.

Saint Peter
- Attributes: Keys (symbolizing the power to open or shut the gates of heaven)
- Christ's words to Peter about binding and loosing things in heaven and earth.
Saint John the Baptist
- Attributes: Pointing to Christ, Bearded, Wearing a cloth of hair, Lamb (symbol of Christ)
- Symbolism: Points the way to Christ, the phrase "here is the lamb of God."
Saint Catherine
- Attributes: Wheel (instrument of torture), Palm frond (victory over sin and death)
- Known for her martyrdom.
Mary Magdalene
- Attributes: Long hair (often red), Jar (traditionally held ointment used to anoint Christ’s feet)
- Often depicted at the feet of Christ or beside the cross.
Saint Jerome
- Attributes: Bright red clothing, Lion (from the fable of pulling a thorn from a lion’s paw)

Saint Lucy
- Attributes: Chalice, Eyes (carrying on a plate)
- Known for her eyes being gouged out.
Saint Agatha
- Attributes: Plate, Breasts (sheared off and miraculously healed)
- Both saints often carry palm fronds.

Artists used various attributes to help viewers identify figures, especially saints, allowing for a deeper understanding of the stories and significance behind the paintings.