The Virgin and Child Enthroned, with Saints Joseph, John the Baptist, Dorothy, Cecilia, Catherine of Alexandria and Barbara (Central Panel)

The rich and detailed execution of this altarpiece implies it was an important commission. The presence of so many books and figures reading suggests it was painted for a cultivated patron, and perhaps a woman as all the saints around the holy family and the infant Saint John are female.

The elaborate throne combines Gothic and Italian Renaissance elements, such as sculptural reliefs with nude figures and statues of putti, or winged infants. John the Baptist appears on the left shutter with a scene of his preaching in the foreground, while the right shutter depicts John the Evangelist and his vision on the island of Patmos.

Credit: On loan from Longford Castle collection