Explore the Description of this artwork, Santa Cristina al Tiverone Altarpiece.
The main panel, of rectangular shape, shows a sacred conversation with Madonna and Child sitting on a large throne. Around her are the saints Peter, Christine, Liberalis and Jerome, all enclosed within a classical style architecture. 
The composition derives from Giovanni Bellini's San Zaccaria Altarpiece, as testified by the niche in the throne with Byzantine mosaics, and the oriental carpet at Mary's feet. Perhaps inspired by Giorgione's Castelfranco Madonna is the figure of Liberalis, the patron saint of Treviso, as a knight holding a model of the city in a hand.
The baby Jesus holds a goldfinch, an allegory of his future Passion. The right side opens on an external wall covered by grass. 
The lunette shows instead a Pietà, also based on Bellini, with the dead Christ supported by two angels.
Giovanni Bellini Treviso San Zaccaria Altarpiece sacred conversation Castelfranco Madonna Pietà Giorgione lunette goldfinch