Madonna and Child with Angels
The Met
Artist: Sassetta (Stefano di Giovanni)(Italian, Siena or Cortona ca. 1400–1450 Siena)
Date: ca. 1445–50
Department: European Paintings
Classification: Paintings
Medium: Tempera on wood, gold ground
Dimensions: Overall, with shaped top and engaged (modern) frame, 31 3/4 x 19 3/4 in. (80.6 x 50.2 cm); painted surface 25 1/8 x 13 1/2 in. (63.8 x 34.3 cm)
Credit Line: Gift of George Blumenthal, 1941
Visual Descriptions
AI GeneratedVisual Summary
Brief Description
A gilded altarpiece depicts the Madonna and Child, crowned by angels, against a radiant gold background
Detailed Description
The image depicts a gilded altarpiece featuring the Madonna and Child at its center, set against a radiant gold background. The Madonna, positioned slightly to the left of the center, is seated and wears a dark, almost black, robe that covers most of her body. Her face and hands are rendered in light skin tones, and she has light brown hair visible beneath a white head covering. A golden halo with radiating lines encircles her head. She gazes down at the Christ Child, whom she cradles in her left arm. The Child, with light skin, is partially covered by a red cloth draped over his lap and legs. He reaches his right arm towards his mother's neck and has a small golden halo around his head. Above the Madonna, two angels with light skin and golden wings hover on either side, extending their hands to place a golden crown upon her head. A sunburst pattern emanates from behind the Madonna's head, filling the upper central portion of the gold background. At the very top, within a pointed arch, a small, robed figure is depicted within a fiery, orange-red mandorla. The lower section of the background features a repeating pattern of red and gold quatrefoils. The entire painting is enclosed within an elaborate, multi-tiered gilded wooden frame with gothic architectural elements, including pointed arches and finials at the top corners. The frame has a dark wooden base.
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