Artwork Page for Virgin and Child

Details / Information for Virgin and Child

Virgin and Child

late 1430s

Rossello di Jacopo Franchi

(Italian, c.1376–1457)
Culture
Italy, Florence
Medium
tempera on wood
Measurements
Framed: 79.5 x 64 x 5.5 cm (31 5/16 x 25 3/16 x 2 3/16 in.); Unframed: 69.2 x 55.2 cm (27 1/4 x 21 3/4 in.)
Credit Line
Holden Collection 1916.814
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print

Description

In his left hand the Christ Child holds a swallow. Swallows were thought to hibernate during winter in nests of mud. Their re-emergence in spring symbolized the Resurrection of Christ. This painting was probably the central panel of an altarpiece. After the altarpiece was broken up, the work was cut into its present octagonal shape.
An octagonal tempera painting depicts the Virgin Mary holding the Christ child, both with light skin tones against a gold background. Mary wears a blue veil and dark cloak over a patterned pink dress, looking toward our right. Christ faces us in a yellow tunic and pink cloth, holding a small black bird. Large patterned gold halos encircle their heads as Mary supports the child with her long, slender hands.

Virgin and Child

late 1430s

Rossello di Jacopo Franchi

(Italian, c.1376–1457)
Italy, Florence

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