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Madonna and Child

ca. 1290–1300
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 635

This lyrical work inaugurates the tradition in Italian art of envisioning the Madonna and Child in terms appropriated from real life. The Christ Child gently pushes away the veil of his mother, whose sorrowful expression reflects her foreknowledge of his crucifixion. The parapet connects the fictive, sacred world of the painting with the temporal one of the viewer. The bottom edge of the original frame is marked by candle burns.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Madonna and Child
  • Artist: Duccio di Buoninsegna (Italian, active by 1278–died 1318 Siena)
  • Date: ca. 1290–1300
  • Medium: Tempera and gold on wood
  • Dimensions: Overall, with engaged frame, 11 x 8 1/4 in. (27.9 x 21 cm); painted surface 9 3/8 x 6 1/2 in. (23.8 x 16.5 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Rogers Fund, Walter and Leonore Annenberg and The Annenberg Foundation Gift, Lila Acheson Wallace Gift, Annette de la Renta Gift, Harris Brisbane Dick, Fletcher, Louis V. Bell, and Dodge Funds, Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, several members of The Chairman's Council Gifts, Elaine L. Rosenberg and Stephenson Family Foundation Gifts, 2003 Benefit Fund, and other gifts and funds from various donors, 2004
  • Object Number: 2004.442
  • Curatorial Department: European Paintings

Audio

Cover Image for 2675. Investigations: Madonna and Child

2675. Investigations: Madonna and Child

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More Artwork

More Artwork
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Madonna and Child, Berlinghiero Italian, Tempera on wood, gold ground
Madonna and Child
Berlinghiero
possibly 1230s
The Adoration of the Magi, Giotto di Bondone Italian, Tempera on wood, gold ground
The Adoration of the Magi
Giotto di Bondone
possibly ca. 1320
Saint Anthony of Padua, Maso di Banco Italian, Tempera on wood, gold ground
Saint Anthony of Padua
Maso di Banco
ca. 1340
Madonna and Child with Donors, Giovanni da Milano Italian, Tempera on wood, gold ground
Madonna and Child with Donors
Giovanni da Milano
ca. 1365
The Crucifixion, Pietro Lorenzetti Italian, Tempera and gold leaf on wood
The Crucifixion
Pietro Lorenzetti
1340s

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