The Date of the Altar of the Madonna in S. Maria Del Soccorso, Aquila

Abstract

Among the monuments of Florentine inspiration made during the Quattrocento in Aquila degli Abruzzi, the Altar of the Madonna in S. Maria del Soccorso (Fig. 1) has been regarded as one of the most puzzling. It takes the form of a tabernacle in which a deep round-headed niche is formed by an arch sustained by pilasters from which it is separated by a broad entablature. A figure of God the Father crowns the arch, while the Angel and Virgin of the Annunciation conceal its springing. In order to support the unusual projection of the entablature slender free-standing piers have been placed in front of the pilasters. The lunette is filled to overflowing with the relief of the Madonna and Child flanked by adoring angels. The wide frieze is decorated with a row of dancing putti terminating at either side in a small trumpeter who covers the face of the slender projection which serves as a console. Immediately below is a second ornamental band corresponding in width to the height of the capitals and containing a coat of arms upheld by a pair of merry putti. On the large rectangular panel at the bottom of the altarpiece two flying angels hold up a heavy brocaded canopy by means of ribbons pulled through a ring. The curtains of the canopy are drawn aside by a second pair of angels, who thus reveal a small tabernacle of simple design within which is a painting of the Virgin.