Artwork

Lucca Madonna

Lucca Madonna, by Jan van Eyck, mixed, 1437
Lucca Madonna, by Jan van Eyck, mixed, 1437

Lucca Madonna is a mixed painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Jan van Eyck. It dates from 1437 and is held in the collection of the Städel Museum.

About this work

The work’s size and panel shape suggest it was meant for private devotion and may have been the inner panel of a triptych.

The Lucca Madonna is an oil painting by Jan van Eyck, dated around 1437. It shows Mary seated on a wooden throne, crowned by a canopy, breastfeeding the infant Christ.

The work’s size and panel shape suggest it was meant for private devotion and may have been the inner panel of a triptych. Its mixed technique adds subtle depth to the scene.

You can see more of Jan van Eyck’s work at the Städel Museum.

Overview

The Lucca Madonna is a painting by Jan van Eyck, created around 1437, utilizing a mixed technique. The work depicts a serene scene of Mary breastfeeding the infant Christ, seated on a wooden throne under a canopy.

Subject & Meaning

The painting focuses on an intimate moment of the Virgin Mary nursing Jesus, conveying devotion and maternal care. The composition emphasizes the sacredness of the moment through the regal yet gentle portrayal of Mary.

Technique & Style

Van Eyck's mixed technique, combining oil painting with other media, achieves subtle depth and texture, characteristic of Early Netherlandish art. The detailed, realistic rendering of the throne, canopy, and figures is typical of his meticulous style.

History & Provenance

Originally possibly the inner panel of a triptych, as suggested by its carpentry, the painting's small size indicates its intended use for private religious practice. It is now part of the Städel Museum's collection in Frankfurt.

Context

Created in the 15th century, the Lucca Madonna reflects the devotional practices of the time, where small, intricate artworks were used for personal prayer and reflection in domestic settings.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Jan van Eyck

Artist

Jan van Eyck

Jan van Eyck was a sharp-eyed observer who spent his life in the Low Countries, painting what he saw with almost eerie precision.

Städel Museum

Museum

Städel Museum

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