Madonna and Child

Donatello

15th century · Figures: terracotta, polychromed and gilded; later background: wood, painted to represent brocade; frame: carved and painted, mouldings gilt · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Sheltering the Christ-child beneath her cloak, Mary presses her check against his head. Her loving gesture identifies her as the Virgin of Tenderness (Eleusa) a sacred type that derives from Byzantine painted icons. This terracotta relief was created from wet clay that was fired in a kiln, and subsequently embellished with gilding and bright colors. Sculptures such as these contributed to the richly hued, textured effects typical of ecclesiastical and domestic Renaissance interiors.

Artist

Donatello

Date

15th century

Medium

Figures: terracotta, polychromed and gilded; later background: wood, painted to represent brocade; frame: carved and painted, mouldings gilt

Culture

Italian

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Bequest of Benjamin Altman, 1913