Painted by Ambrogio Lorenzetti in c. 1340, The Roccalbegna Polyptych, commissioned by the Government of the Nine for the parish Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, reached us in an incomplete version. In the central compartment, there is a portrait of a Madonna seated on a throne with the Child in her arms. The figures were painted with a view from below to reflect the point of view of the congregation in the church. The scene is framed by two pointed Gothic mullioned windows at either side, while the back of the throne is covered with splendid fabric decorated with geometric motifs. At the sides, Saint Peter and Saint Paul are depicted wrapped in liturgical vestments in a serious atmosphere: a rich pastoral for Saint Peter, whereas the apostle Paul is depicted intently writing under the dictation of the dove of the Holy Spirit.
