FRANCIA, Francesco
(b. 1450, Bologna, d. 1517, Bologna)

Madonna and Saints

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Panel
San Giacomo Maggiore, Bologna

The popularity of Francia's paintings arises from their very individual expression of harmony, both in content and form. This is evoked by his simple arrangements of figures, usually parallel with the picture surface in the immediate foreground and the tender, almost sentimental expression of his Madonnas and saints. The painting technique with the smooth treatment of the surface conforms with this style.