Madonna and Child with Two Angels

Cosimo Rosselli Italian

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 604


The picture dates to about 1480–82, around the time Rosselli was working in Rome in the Sistine Chapel together with Perugino, Botticelli, Domenico Ghirlandaio, and Luca Signorelli. It was, however, painted for a Florentine, as the background has a view of the dome of the Florence cathedral. As indicated by its rather modest dimensions, the picture probably hung in a domestic interior, where it would have served as a focus for daily prayer and devotion. This function is further indicated by the empty space between the two adoring angels, which seems intended for the devotee. The Christ Child carries a small globe, signifying his role as the Salvator mundi, or savior of the world.

Madonna and Child with Two Angels, Cosimo Rosselli (Italian, Florence 1440–1507 Florence), Tempera and gold on wood

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