Giovanni dal Ponte (Florence 1385-1437/38), The Madonna and Child with Saints John the Baptist, Andrew, Anthony Abbot, and Nicholas of Bari. Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2009

the Annunciation in the predella with signature 'JACOBUS DI LANDINVS' (on the plinth), tempera and gold on panel, arched top; 46 x 24 in. 116.8 x 61 cm. Sold.

Giovanni dal Ponte, so named after the location of his studio at Santo Stefano a Ponte in Florence, is believed to have been a student of Spinello Aretino. A prolific artist, Giovanni painted in a decorative, linear manner influenced by the Late Gothic style, with some degree of variation as he assimilated the artistic advances of his contemporaries. The figure of Saint John the Baptist in this composition can be compared to the same figure in two versions of Giovanni's Triptych: Coronation of the Virgin (Musée Condé, Chantilly; and Accademia, Florence). The fall of the Virgin's robe, with the right side draped over her left knee, recalls in reverse Spinello's treatment of the same subject (Pinacoteca, Città di Castello). 

Provenance: with Victor Spark, New York.

Christie's. Important Old Master Paintings and Sculpture. January 28, 2009 New York, NY, USA - www.christies.com