Madonna with Child and Saints Gervasio, Protasio, Peter, and Paul – Cathedral – Città della Pieve

The altarpiece is in Città della Pieve, birthplace of Pietro Vannucci, located in the central part of the apse of the Cathedral dedicated to Saints Gervasio and Protasio; but it was actually originally destined to the main altar of the church, by the will of the prior of the chapter of the canons, Marchisino of Cristoforo Manni. In the contract of 1507 he provided for a punctual project, including how the golden wooden frame should have been like, to be completed in a short time: however, Perugino didn’t respect the terms and conditions, and delivered the work seven years later, probably because of some delays concerning the agreed payments.

In the antarpiece, the Madonna is depicted in glory, within an almond of light surrounded by cherubim and angels, while she holds the Child Jesus in her arms. The Child raises his right hand as a sign of blessing, addressed to the figures of Saints standing beneath him,on a geometric floor. Saint Peter holds the key, while Sain Paul bears a sword; on the sides, the dedicatees of the Duomo, the saints Gervasio and Protasio, hold up the red banners with the symbol of the city, extending the blessing to the whole community.

The Saints Gervasio and Protasio were two young brothers from Milan, perhaps lived and martyred under the Empire of Nero, chosen as patrons of Città della Pieve.

The work is signed and dated by Perugino at the bottom, in the middle of the parapet.

The painting is preserved at the Cathedral of Città della Pieve.
Perugino, Madonna with Child and Saints Gervasio, Peter, Paul and Protasio, 1514, oil on panel, 240 x 220 cm, Duomo, Città della Pieve.