Who painted Madonna and Child Enthroned with Saints?

Madonna and Child Enthroned with Saints was painted by Michele Coltellini in 1506.

Where can I see Madonna and Child Enthroned with Saints?

Madonna and Child Enthroned with Saints is held by Walters Art Museum.

What movement is Madonna and Child Enthroned with Saints?

Madonna and Child Enthroned with Saints is associated with High Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of Madonna and Child Enthroned with Saints?

Museum-quality prints of Madonna and Child Enthroned with Saints are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Madonna and Child Enthroned with Saints

Michele Coltellini , 1506

Madonna and Child Enthroned with Saints is an oil painting by the High Renaissance artist Michele Coltellini. It dates from 1506 and is held in the collection of the Walters Art Museum.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1506 by the Italian painter Michele Coltellini, this oil on canvas presents a traditional sacra conversazione. Central to the composition are the Virgin Mary and the infant Christ, seated upon an ornate throne and surrounded by a quartet of saints, all rendered with careful attention to drapery and setting.

Subject & Meaning

The central figures, the Madonna and Child, embody the core Christian theme of divine motherhood. Flanking them are Saint Catherine of Alexandria, recognized by her martyr’s wheel, Saint Michael the Archangel, the evangelist Mark, identifiable by his lion, and John the Baptist, shown with his customary reed cross, each symbolizing virtues and intercessory roles within the devotional narrative.

Technique & Style

Coltellini employs oil paint to achieve a rich palette of deep blues, reds, and luminous greens, enhancing the sumptuous fabrics. The work demonstrates a nuanced use of chiaroscuro, modeling forms through contrasts of light and shadow, while the architectural backdrop of columns and arches provides a sense of depth and spatial order.

History & Provenance

Since its completion, the painting has remained in private and institutional collections, ultimately entering the holdings of the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore, where it is displayed among the museum’s Renaissance holdings.

Context

The composition reflects the early 16th‑century Italian tradition of integrating saints into a unified sacred space, a practice common in devotional altarpieces intended for private chapels or churches, aligning with contemporary theological emphasis on intercessory saints.