A Crowned Female Figure (Saint Elizabeth of Hungary?)
- Artist: Pietro Lorenzetti
- Date: 1320s
- Medium: fresco with areas of secco
- Museum: The National Gallery
- Collection record: The National Gallery website
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About this artwork
This is the "A Crowned Female Figure (Saint Elizabeth of Hungary?)" by Pietro Lorenzetti. Painted in the Italian north, this fragment of fresco dates back to the 1320s and showcases the work of the Sienese painter's workshop.
The figure depicted here is believed to be Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, a royal who chose a life of poverty and charity. According to legend, after her death, she cured a man's hand that had been crushed by a millstone. This miracle is often associated with her image in art.
The fragment was once part of the border decoration of a large wall painting in the chapter house of San Francesco, Siena. It was removed and purchased by Sir Austen Henry Layard, an archaeologist and National Gallery trustee, who left it to the gallery in his will.
As you can see, the figure is shown only in bust length, surrounded by a hexagonal shape that would have been painted blue or green. The decorative role of this fragment suggests that it was painted by a member of Pietro Lorenzetti's workshop, rather than the master himself.
Note the subtle details, such as the way the fingers of her right hand bend, suggesting she may be lifting a garment to preserve roses in her lap. Unfortunately, much of the paint has faded over time, but what remains offers a fascinating glimpse into the art and traditions of Sienese frescoes from this period.
See it in person
A Crowned Female Figure (Saint Elizabeth of Hungary?) hangs in The National Gallery on Trafalgar Square, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
