Artwork Information

Giovenone's commission to paint an altarpiece for the chapel of the Congregation of Saint Ambrose in the church of San Francesco at Vercelli was drawn up on 29 December 1527 and took eight years to complete. The artist depicted the central figure of St Ambrose in his bishop's regalia, crozier in one hand and a flail in the other, whereas the two martyred saints wear armour in a classical style. In one hand they each hold a martyr's palm, while leaning on weaponry in an insouciant manner with the other.