Artwork

Madonna and child

Madonna and child, by Andrea Previtali, unspecified, 1523
Madonna and child, by Andrea Previtali, unspecified, 1523

Madonna and child is an unspecified painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Andrea Previtali. It dates from 1523 and is held in the collection of the Accademia Carrara.

About this work

The canvas was commissioned that year by Paolo Casotti, a wealthy merchant from Bergamo, the artist’s hometown.

Madonna and Child is a painting by Andrea Previtali, dated 1523. The work’s medium is not recorded, but it is known as an oil on panel piece. It shows the Virgin Mary with the infant Jesus.

The canvas was commissioned that year by Paolo Casotti, a wealthy merchant from Bergamo, the artist’s hometown. The donor’s name appears in the title, linking the work to its original patron.

You can see more about this piece at the Accademia Carrara today.

Overview

Madonna and Child is a painting by Andrea Previtali, created in 1523. The work depicts the Virgin Mary with the infant Jesus, executed in oil on panel. Originally commissioned by Paolo Casotti, a wealthy merchant from Bergamo, the artist's native city, it is now part of the collection at the Accademia Carrara in Bergamo.

Subject & Meaning

The painting's central subject is the Virgin Mary with the infant Jesus, a traditional representation of maternal devotion and divine lineage in Christian art. The inclusion of the donor's name in the title reflects the patronage system prevalent during the period, acknowledging Paolo Casotti's role in the work's creation.

Technique & Style

While specific technical details of the painting are not extensively recorded, it is characterized as an oil on panel work, a common medium for Renaissance artists like Previtali. The style is likely consistent with Early Renaissance tendencies, though distinct stylistic elements of the piece are not highlighted in available information.

History & Provenance

Commissioned in 1523 by Paolo Casotti, a wealthy Bergamo merchant, the painting remained associated with its patron through its title. It is currently housed at the Accademia Carrara in Bergamo, Italy, where it is accessible to the public.

Context

Created during the Early Renaissance, Madonna and Child reflects the religious and artistic values of 16th-century Bergamo. The work's commission by a local merchant underscores the role of patronage in supporting regional artists like Previtali.

Legacy

As part of the Accademia Carrara's collection, Madonna and Child contributes to the museum's showcase of Renaissance art, offering insight into Previtali's oeuvre and the artistic landscape of Bergamo during the period. Its enduring presence reflects the continued appreciation for traditional Christian iconography in art historical collections.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Andrea Previtali

Artist

Andrea Previtali

Andrea Previtali (c. 1480–1528) was an Italian painter of the Renaissance period, active mainly in Bergamo. He was also called Andrea Cordelliaghi.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Accademia Carrara open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.