Artwork
Madonna of the people
Madonna of the people is an oil painting by the Mannerist artist Federico Barocci. It dates from 1590 and is held in the collection of the Uffizi Gallery.
About this work
Overview
Madonna of the People is an oil on wood painting created by Federico Barocci between 1575 and 1579. The work is characterized by its vibrant, warm color palette and densely populated composition.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts the Madonna amidst a scene illustrating the Works of Mercy, a theological concept emphasizing charitable acts. Figures in varied attire, from luxurious to humble, converge around the central religious figure, conveying a message of universal compassion.
Technique & Style
Barocci employed soft-edged brushwork and layered coloring to achieve a dreamy, ethereal effect. The composition utilizes chiaroscuro, with luminous light emanating from the upper figures, particularly the bearded man in blue (likely a heavenly figure) and the Madonna, to create a stark yet harmonious contrast with the darker, crowded lower section.
History & Provenance
Signed and dated 'FEDERICVS BAROTIVS VRBINAS MDLXXIX', the painting is now part of the Uffizi Gallery's collection in Florence, Italy.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Federico Barocci (also written Barozzi) (c. 1535 – 30 September 1612) was an Italian Renaissance painter and printmaker. His original name was Federico Fiori, and he was nicknamed Il Baroccio. His work was highly…
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