Madonna and Child with Saints Francis, Cosmas, Damian, John the Baptist, Lawrence, Julian, Anthony Abbot and Peter Martyr (The Cafaggiolo Altarpiece)

The panel, which once stood upon the altar of the chapel in the Medici Villa of Cafaggiolo in Mugello (renovated in 1451 by Michelozzo), was commissioned by Piero de’ Medici. It was created to celebrate the birth of his son Giuliano (1453–1478), the younger brother of Lorenzo the Magnificent. The two eponymous saints—the deacon martyr Lawrence and the knight Julian—are depicted alongside the enthroned Virgin. The gilded drapery in the background lends a certain splendour to the setting, matching the prestigious context for which this sacred image was intended.