The altarpiece “ Virgin and Child with Saints”, also known as "Santa Maria in Porto Altarpiece" (Milan, Pinacoteca di Brera), was executed by Ercole de' Roberti for the church of Santa Maria in Porto, nearby the city of Ravenna.

The extraordinary architectural structure enhances the figure of the Virgin, surrounded by Saints Augustine and Elisabeth on the left and St. Anne and the blessed Pietro – founder of the Order of the Church of Santa Maria in Porto-  on the right. One of the most peculiar aspects of this composition is the throne sustaining the Virgin: at the bottom of the altarpiece, they can be found some of the episodes of the Life of Christ, painted as detailed bas-reliefs: “The Massacre of the Innocents”, “The Adoration of the Magi” and “The Presentation at the Temple”.

Copyrighted image: "Under concession of Pinacoteca di Brera".