Madonna and Child

Maestro di Pratovecchio

Download hi-res image TITLE Madonna and Child
AUTHOR Maestro di Pratovecchio
DATE c. 1440-50
TECNICA OPERA Mixed media on panel
DIMENSIONS cm 48 x 34,5
INVENTORY 7764
ROOM V
Work on display

This panel was originally meant for private devotion. The child places his feet on a windowsill and holds a scroll on which is written Ego sum lux mundi (I am the light of the world). It is attributed to the Maestro di Pratovecchio, known for his careful figurative use of colour and light, very different from that of Filippo Lippi or Botticelli. Here we can see the development of Renaissance space, even if stylistically the artist has not completely embraced the Florentine innovations.

Didascalia d’autore

“I am the light of the world.” The Christ-child’s halo illuminates his mother’s face, bouncing the glow that falls from the left, reflecting her skin’s inner gleam. Light worked into the tones of her sleeve, contrasting with her mantle. Light everywhere. Yet. Her eyes alert, watchful, unconvinced of the miracle she holds. THe face, familiar as a film star’s. She is not real – the double frame in which she sits reminds us. The Madonna is in our world, perhaps, but not of it. ”
Lisa Hilton

Download hi-res image TITLE Madonna and Child
AUTHOR Maestro di Pratovecchio
DATE c. 1440-50
TECNICA OPERA Mixed media on panel
DIMENSIONS cm 48 x 34,5
INVENTORY 7764
ROOM V
Work on display