Madonna and Child with Angels
Antonio Rossellino
third quarter 15th century · Painted and gilt stucco; wood frame (not original to relief) · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
The Virgin Mary is shown presenting her infant son, Jesus, to the viewer. The holy child sits erect on her lap, his dignified posture expresses his divinity. After this relief had been molded in stucco (a form of plaster), it was sent to another artist’s workshop to be painted. The collaboration between sculptor and painter creates lifelike effects: Christ’s plump cheeks project into space and are flushed like those of a real child. However, the sparkle of gold - on the throne, in Mary’s hair, and the angels’ wings - underscores the scene’s heavenly nature.
- Artist
- Antonio Rossellino
- Date
- third quarter 15th century
- Medium
- Painted and gilt stucco; wood frame (not original to relief)
- Culture
- Italian, Florence
- Department
- European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
- Credit line
- Bequest of George Blumenthal, 1941
