Artwork
Maria mit dem Kinde und zwei Engeln
Maria mit dem Kinde und zwei Engeln is an unspecified painting by the Early Renaissance artist Francesco Francia. It dates from 1498 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.
About this work
Overview
Executed in oil on panel, the painting presents a compact grouping of three figures against an unadorned backdrop, emphasizing their intimate interaction.
Francesco Francia, an artist active in Bologna at the close of the 15th century, completed the work titled *Maria mit dem Kinde und zwei Engeln* in 1498. Executed in oil on panel, the painting presents a compact grouping of three figures against an unadorned backdrop, emphasizing their intimate interaction. The piece belongs to the early Renaissance period and is currently displayed in the Alte Pinakothek in Munich.
Subject & Meaning
The central figure is the Virgin Mary, seated and holding the infant Christ on her lap. Flanking her are two female angels, each rendered in similar dark attire, their gestures suggesting a protective or devotional role. The composition underscores the theological theme of the Incarnation, presenting the tender bond between mother and child while the angels underscore the sacred nature of the scene.
Technique & Style
Francia employs a restrained palette of deep, muted tones for the garments, allowing the luminous, pale flesh of the child to stand out. The handling of light creates a subtle chiaroscuro effect, modeling the forms with gentle gradations of shadow that give the figures a three‑dimensional presence despite the flat background. The overall treatment reflects the early Renaissance interest in naturalism and balanced composition.
History & Provenance
After its creation in 1498, the painting entered various private collections before being acquired by the Bavarian state museum. It has been part of the Alte Pinakothek’s holdings since the 19th century, where it remains a representative example of Francia’s output during his most productive years in Bologna.
Context
Francia’s career combined painting with goldsmithing and medal work, and he held the position of director of Bologna’s city mint. This multidisciplinary background informed his meticulous attention to detail and surface finish, evident in the careful rendering of fabrics and the smooth modeling of the infant’s skin. The work reflects the broader Bolognese artistic climate, which blended local traditions with the emerging ideals of the Italian Renaissance.
Artist & collection
Artist
Francesco Francia, whose real name was Francesco Raibolini (1447 – 5 January 1517), was an Italian painter, goldsmith, and medallist from Bologna, who was also director of the city mint.
