Madonna and Child with Angels
The Virgin Mary is shown presenting her infant son, Jesus, to the viewer. The holy child sits erect on her lap, his dignified posture expresses his divinity.
After this relief had been molded in stucco (a form of plaster), it was sent to another artist’s workshop to be painted. The collaboration between sculptor and painter creates lifelike effects: Christ’s plump cheeks project into space and are flushed like those of a real child. However, the sparkle of gold - on the throne, in Mary’s hair, and the angels’ wings - underscores the scene’s heavenly nature.
After this relief had been molded in stucco (a form of plaster), it was sent to another artist’s workshop to be painted. The collaboration between sculptor and painter creates lifelike effects: Christ’s plump cheeks project into space and are flushed like those of a real child. However, the sparkle of gold - on the throne, in Mary’s hair, and the angels’ wings - underscores the scene’s heavenly nature.
Artwork Details
- Title: Madonna and Child with Angels
- Artist: After a model by Antonio Rossellino (Italian, Settignano 1427–ca. 1479 Florence)
- Date: third quarter 15th century
- Culture: Italian, Florence
- Medium: Painted and gilt stucco; wood frame (not original to relief)
- Dimensions: relief, visible as framed, confirmed: 32 7/8 × 22 1/2 in., 70 lb. (83.5 × 57.2 cm, 31.8 kg)
Framed (overall, without arched top (b), confirmed): 45 3/4 × 36 1/2 in. (116.2 × 92.7 cm)
Framed (overall framed, with arched top painting): 65 3/4 × 39 in. (167 × 99.1 cm) - Classification: Sculpture
- Credit Line: Bequest of George Blumenthal, 1941
- Object Number: 41.190.40a
- Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
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Ambrogio Bevilacqua
Antonio Rossellino
model ca. 1475 (cast 19th century)
Antonio Rossellino
model ca. 1475 (cast 19th century)
Antonio Rossellino
15th century
Antonio Rossellino
third quarter 15th century
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