Artwork Page for Madonna and Child in a Niche

Details / Information for Madonna and Child in a Niche

Madonna and Child in a Niche

c. 1520s

attributed to Antonio del Ceraiolo

(Italian)
Culture
Italy, 16th century
Medium
oil on wood
Measurements
Framed: 87 x 72 x 5.5 cm (34 1/4 x 28 3/8 x 2 3/16 in.); Unframed: 59.5 x 43.9 cm (23 7/16 x 17 5/16 in.)
Credit Line
Holden Collection 1916.813
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
Not on view
Print

Description

This image of Madonna with the Christ Child on her lap has been extensively altered by restoration. During the Renaissance, it was important that the Christ Child's genitalia be exposed, for it declared that Christ is the humanization of God, that he experienced temptation, and that in his exposure, he was without shame. When it was repainted, a cloth was added to the image to cover the Christ Child's genitalia. In 1941 the removal of old overpaint returned the painting more closely to its original state.
A vertically oriented oil painting depicts the Virgin Mary and nude baby Christ, both with light skin tones and faint gold halos. Seated within a gray stone niche, Mary wears a red gown, green cloak, and blue headscarf. She holds Christ, who raises his right hand with two fingers extended and looks toward our left. Fine cracks cover the paint surface, particularly on her face.

Madonna and Child in a Niche

c. 1520s

Antonio del Ceraiolo

(Italian)
Italy, 16th century

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

Contact Us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork