Artwork
Madonna and Child
Madonna and Child is a paint painting by the Early Renaissance artist Fra Angelico. It dates from 1433 and is held in the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1433 by the Florentine Dominican friar Fra Angelico, this tempera painting presents the Virgin Mary cradling the infant Christ. The work is part of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin’s collection and exemplifies the artist’s focus on devotional subjects.
Subject & Meaning
The composition centers on Mary, dressed in a blue mantle over a red garment, holding the child who wears a pink dress. Their intimate pose reflects the theological emphasis on the Incarnation, a theme repeatedly explored by the painter.
Technique & Style
Executed in tempera, the piece displays Fra Angelico’s characteristic clarity of line and luminous color palette. The patterned backdrop and the presence of two robed figures on either side add depth while maintaining the flatness typical of early Renaissance panel painting.
History & Provenance
Fra Angelico, patronized by patrons such as Cosimo de’ Medici, produced primarily religious works for institutions like the Dominican convent of San Marco. This particular panel eventually entered the German museum collection, where it resides today.
Artist & collection
Artist
Fra Giovanni da Fiesole (born Guido di Pietro; c. 1395 – 18 February 1455), known posthumously as Fra Angelico ( FRAH an-JEL-ik-oh, Italian: ), was an Italian Dominican friar and painter active during the early…
