Vivarini, Bartolomeo 
Polyptych of St. Ambrose

1503
Panel, 500 x 250 cm
S. Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, Venice

This great panel is at the altar of the Chapel of the Milanese. Vivarini had not time to finish it before his death and the work was concluded by Marco Basaiti.  The altarpiece presents the triumph of St. Ambrose, patron saint of Milan, carrying a scourge in his right hand and a crozier in his left. The guards at his back hold a sword and cross respectively, representing spiritual and temporal authority. On St. Ambrose's right stand St. John the Baptist, St. Sebastian and St. Louis IX; and on his left St. Gregory the Great, St Augustine, and St Jerome. At the foot of the throne two angels are playing the lute and the mandola. These are by Basaiti, as is St. Sebastian.

More of St. John the Baptist
More of St. Sebastian
More of St. Louis the King
More of St. Gregory
More of St. Augustine
More of St. Jerome
More of St. Ambrose

Source: Web Gallery of Art