There is a “Coronation” by Vivarini (Acad.  Venice), which may be said to comprise in itself a whole system of theology.  It is one vast composition, not divided by compartments.  In the centre is a magnificent carved throne sustained by six pillars, which stand on a lofty richly ornamented pedestal.  On the throne are seated Christ and the Virgin; he is crowned, and places with both hands a crown on her head.  Between them hovers the celestial Dove, and above them is seen the Heavenly Father in likeness of “the Ancient of Days,” who paternally lays a hand on the shoulder of each.  Around his head and over the throne, are the nine choirs of angels, in separate groups.  First and nearest, hover the glowing seraphim and cherubim, winged, but otherwise formless.  Above these, the Thrones, holding the globe of sovereignty; to the right, the Dominations, Virtues, and Powers; to the left, the Princedoms, Archangels, and Angels.  Below these, on each side of the throne, the prophets and patriarchs of the Old Testament, holding each a scroll.  Below these the apostles on twelve thrones, six on each side, each holding the Gospel.  Below these, on each side, the saints and martyrs.  Below these, again, the virgins and holy women.  Under the throne, in the space formed by the pillars, is seen a group of beautiful children (not angels), representing, I think, the martyred Innocents.  They bear the instruments of Christ’s passion—­the cross, nails, spear, crown of thorns, &c.  On the step below the pedestal, and immediately in front, are seated the Evangelists and doctors of the Church; on the right St. Matthew and St. Luke, and behind them St. Ambrose and St. Augustine; on the left St. Mark and St. John, and behind them St. Jerome and St. Gregory. (See “Sacred and Legendary Art”) Every part of this curious picture is painted with the utmost care and delicacy:  the children are exquisite, and the heads, of which there are at least seventy without counting the angels, are finished like miniatures.

This simple, and altogether typical representation of the Virgin crowned by the Trinity in human form, is in a French carving of the fifteenth century, and though ill drawn, there is considerable naivete in the treatment.  The Eternal Father wears, as is usual, the triple tiara, the Son has the cross and the crown of thorns, and the Holy Ghost is distinguished by the dove on his hand.  All three sustain the crown over the head of the kneeling Virgin, whose train is supported by two angels.

In a bas-relief over a door of the cathedral at Treves, the subject is very simply treated; both Christ and the Virgin are standing, which is unusual, and behind each is an angel, also standing and holding a crown.

Where not more than five or six saints are introduced as attendants and accessories, they are usually the patron saints of the locality or community, which may be readily distinguished.  Thus,

1.  In a “Coronation” by Sandro Botticelli, we find below, St. John the Evangelist, St. Augustine, St. John Gualberto, St. Bernardo Cardinale.  It was painted for the Vallombrosian monks. (Fl.  Gal.)