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Madonna and Child Enthroned with Two Angels

ca. 1440
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 603

The Virgin Mary, known as "the rose without thorns" for having been born free of original sin, holds the symbolic flower while sitting upon the Throne of Wisdom. The scroll held by an angel reads: "Come over to me, all ye that desire me, and be filled with my fruits" (Ecclesiasticus 24:19). The picture was originally the centerpiece of an important triptych. Lippi was the most innovative painter in Italy and was closely attentive to Netherlandish painting. Notable here is his varied study of light and the active pose of the child, perhaps inspired by the sculpture of Donatello.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Madonna and Child Enthroned with Two Angels
  • Artist: Fra Filippo Lippi (Italian, Florence ca. 1406–1469 Spoleto)
  • Date: ca. 1440
  • Medium: Tempera and gold on wood, transferred from wood
  • Dimensions: Arched top, 48 1/4 x 24 3/4 in. (122.6 x 62.9 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: The Jules Bache Collection, 1949
  • Object Number: 49.7.9
  • Curatorial Department: European Paintings

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The Triumph of Fame; (reverse) Impresa of the Medici Family and Arms of the Medici and Tornabuoni Families, Giovanni di ser Giovanni Guidi (called Scheggia) Italian, Tempera, silver, and gold on wood
The Triumph of Fame; (reverse) Impresa of the Medici Family and Arms of the Medici and Tornabuoni Families
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Paradise, Giovanni di Paolo (Giovanni di Paolo di Grazia) Italian, Tempera and gold on canvas, transferred from wood
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Saint Lawrence Enthroned with Saints and Donors, Fra Filippo Lippi Italian, Tempera on wood, gold ground
Saint Lawrence Enthroned with Saints and Donors
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