Who painted Virgin and Child?

Virgin and Child was painted by Icilio Federico Joni in 1404.

Where can I see Virgin and Child?

Virgin and Child is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Virgin and Child?

Virgin and Child is associated with Early Renaissance.

Artwork

Virgin and Child

Icilio Federico Joni , 1404

Virgin and Child is an unspecified painting by the Early Renaissance artist Icilio Federico Joni. It dates from 1404 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

This painting shows a woman and a baby.
The woman is dressed in a long robe and the baby is naked.
The painting's history is a bit unclear, as it was restored in the 1960s, which changed its appearance, and some people question whether it's an original work from the 1400s.
Check out the work of artist: Icilio Federico Joni (Italian, 1866–1946)

Overview

This 15th-century painting depicts a serene scene of the Virgin and Child, characterized by simplicity in composition and a small scale. Despite its unassuming nature, the work's authenticity and quality have been subjects of scrutiny.

Subject & Meaning

The painting portrays the Virgin Mary dressed in a long robe, accompanied by a naked infant Christ. The subject is a common devotional theme in Renaissance art, conveying religious piety.

Technique & Style

The Virgin's robe was originally painted with azurite, a cost-effective mineral pigment, indicating potential workshop production rather than a masterpiece by a prominent artist. The overall quality is deemed lesser compared to contemporaneous works.

History & Provenance

The painting underwent significant restoration in the 1960s, including cleaning, retouching, and re-varnishing, which altered its original appearance and obscured its age. The frame and panel sides were also restored, complicating the assessment of its original state.

Context

Attribution suggests the work may originate from Sano's workshop rather than being a direct work by Sano, due to its simplicity, small size, and the use of azurite. This contextualizes the piece within the broader output of a Renaissance atelier.