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Madonna and Child with Seraphim and Cherubim

ca. 1454
Not on view

The composition of this touching image, which may date to about 1454, is inspired by the sculpture of Donatello, who worked at Padua between 1443 and 1453. Its emotional intensity is compromised by abrasion to the paint surface (the face of the Virgin is almost obliterated). Only the cherubim on the right are well preserved. The illusionism of the arched setting is typical of Mantegna’s desire to break through the picture plane and enter the space of the viewer.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Madonna and Child with Seraphim and Cherubim
  • Artist: Andrea Mantegna (Italian, Isola di Carturo 1430/31–1506 Mantua)
  • Date: ca. 1454
  • Medium: Tempera and gold on wood
  • Dimensions: Arched top, 17 3/8 x 11 1/4 in. (44.1 x 28.6 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: The Friedsam Collection, Bequest of Michael Friedsam, 1931
  • Object Number: 32.100.97
  • Curatorial Department: European Paintings

More Artwork

More Artwork
The Adoration of the Shepherds, Andrea Mantegna Italian, Tempera on canvas, transferred from wood
The Adoration of the Shepherds
Andrea Mantegna
shortly after 1450
Lobster-Tail Burgonet, Steel, leather, gold, North Italian
Lobster-Tail Burgonet
North Italian
ca. 1610
Madonna and Child, Simone Martini Italian, Tempera on wood, gold ground
Madonna and Child
Simone Martini
ca. 1326
Bacchanal with a Wine Vat, Andrea Mantegna Italian, Engraving and drypoint
Bacchanal with a Wine Vat
Andrea Mantegna
Before 1475
Sallet in the Shape of a Lion's Head, Steel, copper, gold, glass, pigment, textile, Italian
Sallet in the Shape of a Lion's Head
Italian
ca. 1475–80

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