Orcagna, 1315 – 1368

Orcagna: The 13 Most Famous Paintings

Saint John the Baptist (1355) is the most famous painting by Orcagna, held by the معرض ييل الجامعي للفنون in نيو هيفن. The Calling of St. Matthew (1367) and Throne of Grace (1400) are the next two works the world knows best. From the 13 works of Orcagna in our catalogue, here are the 13 that collectors and museum visitors look at most, with the year, the museum and the story of each.

تُصنف الأعمال بناءً على درجة شعبيتنا، التي تجمع بين عمليات البحث والزيارات والطلبات لكل عمل فني. تم التحديث في أكتوبر 2026. Every masterpiece on this page can be ordered as a museum-quality, hand-painted oil reproduction or a fine art print, at the size you choose.

بورتريه لـ Orcagna
Orcagna · 1315 – 1368
تاريخ الميلاد · تاريخ الوفاة
1315 – 1368, Florence
الأعمال الموجودة في كتالوجنا
13
الأكثر شهرة
Saint John the Baptist (1355)
أكبر عدد من الأعمال في
Cappella Strozzi

Top 10: Orcagna's best-known paintings

The rest of the Orcagna ranking, 11 to 13

The subjects Orcagna painted most

The four subjects that return most often among these masterpieces, with the finest example of each.

Where to see Orcagna's paintings

المتاحف الـ 5 التي تضم أكبر عدد من اللوحات الموجودة في هذه الصفحة.

المتحف المدينة أعمال Orcagna لوحات من هذه القائمة
Cappella Strozzi, FlorenceCappella Strozzi Florence 2 View of the Chapel, The Strozzi Altarpiece
معرض ييل الجامعي للفنون, نيو هيفنمعرض ييل الجامعي للفنون نيو هيفن 1 Saint John the Baptist
المتحف الوطني في وارسو, وارسوالمتحف الوطني في وارسو وارسو 1 Throne of Grace
Palazzo Vecchio, فلورنساPalazzo Vecchio فلورنسا 1 The Expulsion of the Duke of Athens
Rijksmuseum, أمستردامRijksmuseum أمستردام 1 Triptych with the Virgin and Child, and Saints Mary Magdalene and Ansanus, Andrea di Cione named Orcagna, 1350

Orcagna through the decades: one masterpiece for each

  1. 1340s
  2. 1350s
  3. 1360s

Orcagna's paintings: frequently asked questions

What is the most famous Orcagna painting?Show the answer

Saint John the Baptist (1355), معرض ييل الجامعي للفنون, نيو هيفن. Next come The Calling of St. Matthew (1367) and Throne of Grace (1400).

At what age did Orcagna paint Saint John the Baptist?Show the answer

40 years old: Saint John the Baptist dates from 1355 and Orcagna was born in 1315.

Which are the 10 most famous Orcagna paintings?Show the answer

Saint John the Baptist, The Calling of St. Matthew, Throne of Grace, The Burial of the Virgin, Tabernacle (detail), Tabernacle, Dormition and Assumption of the Virgin, detail of the Tabernacle, View of the Chapel, Hell (fragment) و The Expulsion of the Duke of Athens. The ranking above gives the year and the museum of each.

How many paintings by Orcagna are there?Show the answer

Our catalogue lists 13 works by Orcagna, dated from 1343 to 1367.

Where can I see the most famous Orcagna paintings?Show the answer

Most of them are in Cappella Strozzi (Florence), معرض ييل الجامعي للفنون (نيو هيفن) و المتحف الوطني في وارسو (وارسو). The table above lists the museums one by one.

In which period did Orcagna paint the best-known works?Show the answer

In 1350s: 8 of the 13 works on this page date from then, among them Saint John the Baptist.

What is the earliest famous Orcagna painting, and the latest?Show the answer

The earliest on this page is The Expulsion of the Duke of Athens (1343), the latest The Calling of St. Matthew (1367).

What Orcagna paintings does the Cappella Strozzi hold?Show the answer

View of the Chapel و The Strozzi Altarpiece are among the 2 works on this page held by the Cappella Strozzi, Florence.

Where can I buy a Orcagna reproduction?Show the answer

Yes. Every painting on this page can be ordered as a museum-quality, hand-painted oil reproduction or a fine art print, in the size you choose, from the painting's own page.

Orcagna: biography

Andrea di Cione: The Architect of Florentine Vision

The name Orcagna—a moniker bestowed upon him by local artisans—encompasses a remarkable figure in the history of Italian art: Andrea di Cione, a painter, sculptor, architect, and master craftsman who dominated the artistic landscape of Florence during the latter half of the 14th century. Born around 1308 within the bustling heart of the city, Orcagna’s life was inextricably linked to its burgeoning wealth, political intrigue, and fervent religious devotion—elements that profoundly shaped his distinctive style and enduring legacy. His story isn't one of solitary genius, but rather a testament to collaborative artistry, meticulous planning, and an unwavering commitment to both technical mastery and expressive power.

Orcagna’s early life remains shrouded in some mystery, though it is believed he apprenticed under the renowned sculptor Andrea Pisano. This formative experience instilled within him a deep appreciation for classical forms and a sophisticated understanding of three-dimensional space—qualities that would later manifest in his monumental marble tabernacle for Orsanmichele. However, Orcagna’s artistic trajectory quickly diverged from his master's, developing a distinctly Florentine style characterized by dramatic figures, vibrant colors, and an innovative approach to composition. He was formally admitted into the painter’s guild in 1343-44 and later joined the stonemasons’ guild in 1352, demonstrating his versatility and ambition across multiple artistic disciplines.

The Grandeur of Orvieto: Mosaic Master

Orcagna's most celebrated achievement undoubtedly lies in his contribution to the magnificent façade of the cathedral in Orvieto. Commissioned in 1358, this project demanded a level of technical skill and artistic vision that pushed Orcagna to the very limits of his abilities. He oversaw the creation of an extensive mosaic decoration, including a breathtaking rose window—a masterpiece of Byzantine-inspired design that exemplifies the lavishness and spiritual intensity characteristic of the period. The mosaics themselves are characterized by their rich palette, intricate detailing, and powerful emotional impact, reflecting Orcagna’s mastery of color theory and his ability to imbue religious subjects with palpable drama.

The scale of this undertaking was immense, requiring meticulous planning and coordination. Orcagna's role extended beyond mere execution; he served as a consultant, guiding the work of numerous skilled artisans and ensuring that every element harmonized within the overall design. The Orvieto mosaics stand as a testament to his organizational prowess and his ability to synthesize diverse artistic talents into a cohesive whole.

The Sculptural Triumph: Orsanmichele’s Tabernacle

Perhaps Orcagna's most enduring legacy resides in the monumental marble tabernacle he designed and oversaw for the Orsanmichele, a former confraternity hall now serving as a public art gallery. Completed between 1352 and 1359, this architectural marvel is a complex and ambitious undertaking that showcases Orcagna’s exceptional skill as an architect and sculptor. The tabernacle's intricate façade is adorned with a multitude of sculpted figures—a veritable encyclopedia of biblical narratives, allegorical symbols, and classical motifs. Each figure is rendered with remarkable detail and expressive power, reflecting Orcagna’s deep understanding of human anatomy and his ability to convey complex emotions through gesture and expression.

The tabernacle's design incorporates a sophisticated system of arches, vaults, and niches, creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow. The use of color—particularly the vibrant hues of the inlaid marble—further enhances its visual impact. Orcagna’s work on Orsanmichele demonstrates his mastery of both architectural form and sculptural technique, solidifying his reputation as one of Florence's most accomplished artists.

A Legacy of Innovation

Orcagna’s influence extended far beyond the immediate commissions he undertook. His innovative approach to composition—characterized by dynamic figures, dramatic lighting, and a heightened sense of realism—helped to shape the course of Florentine painting in the late 14th century. He bridged the gap between the Gothic traditions inherited from his predecessors and the emerging Renaissance style, paving the way for future generations of artists. His work served as an inspiration to many of Florence’s leading painters, including Jacopo di Cione, his brother, who continued Orcagna's artistic legacy after his death in 1368.

Orcagna’s untimely death at the age of sixty is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the immense loss suffered by the Florentine art world. Despite his relatively short career, he left behind a remarkable body of work that continues to captivate audiences today—a testament to his extraordinary talent, unwavering dedication, and enduring vision.

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