Quattro Coronati

work by Nanni di Banco

Also known as: “Quattro Santi Coronati”

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 13, 2026

Quick Summary

The "Quattro Coronati" is a masterpiece by Nanni di Banco, a Florentine sculptor who bridged the Gothic and Renaissance styles. Created around 1411-1413 for the Or San Michele guild church in Florence, this sculpture depicts four saints dressed in Roman togas, inspired by antique portrait busts.1

The work is significant for its early Renaissance characteristics, moving away from Gothic influences. The figures are arranged to interact spatially, creating a sense of "mute conversation" among them. This sculpture exemplifies the period's renewed interest in classical antiquity and Nanni di Banco's skill in capturing a sense of unified presence within a group.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

2 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

Nanni di Banco
Of the latter, the “Quattro Coronati” (“Four Crowned Saints”; c. 1411–13) is considered his masterpiece. Influenced by antique art, the four saints are dressed in firmly modeled Roman togas and have heads that strongly resemble the ancient portrait busts of Roman senators that Nanni had studied. The group of…
Read More
Of the latter, the “Quattro Coronati” (“Four Crowned Saints”; c. 1411–13) is considered his masterpiece. Influenced by antique art, the four saints are dressed in firmly modeled Roman togas and have heads that strongly resemble the ancient portrait busts of Roman senators that Nanni had studied. The group of…
Read More