Artwork
Madonna and Child with an Angel
Madonna and Child with an Angel is a tempera painting by the Early Renaissance artist Vincenzo Foppa. It dates from 1490 and is held in the collection of the Uffizi Gallery. Created circa 1490, this tempera panel presents a devotional scene typical of the early Renaissance.
About this work
Overview
Created circa 1490, this tempera panel presents a devotional scene typical of the early Renaissance. The composition features the Virgin Mary seated with the infant Christ, an attendant angel, and an open book, all set against a red drapery. The work belongs to the collection of the Uffizi Gallery in Florence.
Subject & Meaning
Mary is identified by a halo and the inscription "MARIA" on the frame, emphasizing her sanctity. The infant reaches toward the open book, while the angel points to it, suggesting the themes of divine wisdom and the incarnation of the Word. The book functions as a symbol of faith and learning.
Technique & Style
Executed in tempera, the painting employs fine, opaque pigments mixed with egg yolk, yielding a luminous surface and precise detailing. Foppa’s handling of light and delicate modeling reflects the Early Lombard School’s emphasis on clarity and restrained color, while the red curtain provides a vivid backdrop.
History & Provenance
The panel was painted by Vincenzo Foppa, a prominent figure of the Early Lombard School who worked for the Sforza court. After its creation in northern Italy, the work entered the Uffizi’s holdings, where it remains on public display.
Context
Foppa’s career began in Milan before he returned to his native Brescia, where he contributed significantly to the development of Renaissance painting in the region. This piece exemplifies the period’s shift toward more naturalistic representation of sacred subjects, integrating symbolic elements within a domestic setting.
Artist & collection
Artist
Vincenzo Foppa (Brescia, c. 1427–1430 – Brescia, c. 1515–1516) was an Italian painter from the Renaissance period. While few of his works survive, he was an esteemed and influential painter during his time and is…
