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Madonna and Child with Saints Philip and Agnes

ca. 1425–30
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 611

Donato de’ Bardi’s style brings together Netherlandish and French influences, focusing on refined detail and careful study of light. At the center of this painting, which is still in its original frame, Donato captures the sheltering affection between the infant Christ and Madonna. Gesturing to the goldfinch in his hand, a symbol of the resurrection, the child reassures his mother that his destiny is ultimately one of hope. These panels may have been commissioned by Duke Filippo Maria Visconti (1392–1447) and his mistress Agnes del Maino, as their names match those of the two saints appearing on the wings of the triptych.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Madonna and Child with Saints Philip and Agnes
  • Artist: Donato de' Bardi (Italian, Lombard, active by 1426–died 1450/51)
  • Date: ca. 1425–30
  • Medium: Tempera on wood, gold ground
  • Dimensions: Central panel, overall 23 1/2 x 13 1/8 in. (59.7 x 33.3 cm), painted surface 23 1/8 x 12 3/4 in. (58.7 x 32.4 cm); each wing, overall 23 5/8 x 6 in. (60 x 15.2 cm), painted surface 23 1/4 x 5 1/2 in. (59.1 x 14 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: Gift of Samuel H. Kress Foundation, 1937
  • Object Number: 37.163.1–3
  • Curatorial Department: European Paintings

More Artwork

More Artwork
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Madonna and Child, Vincenzo Foppa Italian, Tempera, oil, and gold on wood
Madonna and Child
Vincenzo Foppa
ca. 1480
Madonna and Child Enthroned, Carlo Crivelli Italian, Tempera on wood, gold ground
Madonna and Child Enthroned
Carlo Crivelli
1472
The Last Communion of Saint Jerome, Botticelli (Alessandro di Mariano Filipepi) Italian, Tempera and gold on wood
The Last Communion of Saint Jerome
Botticelli (Alessandro di Mariano Filipepi)
early 1490s
Madonna and Child, Carlo Crivelli Italian, Tempera and gold on wood
Madonna and Child
Carlo Crivelli
ca. 1480
Madonna and Child Enthroned with Two Angels, Fra Filippo Lippi Italian, Tempera and gold on wood, transferred from wood
Madonna and Child Enthroned with Two Angels
Fra Filippo Lippi
ca. 1440

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