Florence – Museo degli Innocenti (Coronation of the Virgin by Benedetto Buglioni)

This is a glazed terracotta altarpiece that was moved here in 1905 from the Bottigli Chapel at the manor of San Miniato al Montanino outside Figline. There’s an inscription at the base of the altarpiece which dates it to 1520 and it was commissioned by Madonna Francesca.

This work celebrated its 500th anniversary this year, it’s survived remarkably well since it was created by Benedetto Buglioni, a Florence artist who lived from 1459 until 1521. The colouring gives it a vibrant feel and it depicts the Coronation of the Virgin with St. Dominic and St. Francis. These saints are the founders of two of the most important Catholic orders, the Dominicans and the Franciscans.