Artwork
Madonna and Child
Madonna and Child is a tempera painting by the Mannerist artist Lo Spagna. It dates from 1515 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum. Created in 1515, this tempera panel portrays the Virgin Mary cradling the infant Jesus.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1515, this tempera panel portrays the Virgin Mary cradling the infant Jesus. The work belongs to the collection of the State Hermitage Museum and exemplifies the devotional imagery common to early sixteenth‑century Italy.
Subject & Meaning
The composition presents Mary in a blue mantle trimmed with gold, over a red dress, both figures crowned with halos. The child, unclothed and seated on her lap, is gently supported by her hands, emphasizing maternal tenderness and the sacred bond between mother and divine infant.
Technique & Style
Executed in egg‑tempera, the painting displays the clear, luminous colors and fine detailing characteristic of the medium. The artist’s handling reflects the influence of Perugino, with soft modeling and a balanced, harmonious arrangement that anticipates the Mannerist shift toward elegant elongation.
History & Provenance
The work was produced by Lo Spagna, an Italian painter of Spanish descent active in central Italy. After its creation, the panel entered various collections before being acquired by the State Hermitage Museum, where it remains on display.
Context
During the early 1500s, depictions of the Madonna and Child were a staple of religious art, serving both liturgical and private devotional purposes. Lo Spagna’s version aligns with contemporary iconography while incorporating the serene spatial settings typical of his Perugino‑inspired circle.
Artist & collection
Artist
Lo Spagna (died c. 1529), "the Spaniard" in Italian, was a painter of the Renaissance, active in central Italy. His name was Giovanni di Pietro, but he was known as Lo Spagna because he was of Spanish heritage. He was…
