The "Sacred Conversation" is the altarpiece realized in 1479 by Ghirlandaio, master of the Florentine Renaissance, who will have a great influence on the following pictorial production in Lucca. At the centre of a symmetrical composition is the Madonna on the throne with the blessing Child in her arms. On the sides are portrayed Saint Clement, with the papal tiara, Saint Sebastian, with the arrow and in the foreground, in monumental poses, Saint Peter with the keys and Saint Paul with the sword. The colouring is rich and the painter shows an attention to detail inspired by Flemish art and a remarkable ability in the psychological rendering of the characters.
