Madonna and Child with Two Angels

Bernardo Zenale

Download hi-res image TITLE Madonna and Child with Two Angels
AUTHOR Bernardo Zenale
DATE c. 1500 - 2
OBJECT TYPE AND MATERIAL Oil on panel
DIMENSIONS cm 96 x 64
INVENTORY 1305
ROOM XI
FIRMA EMORI ... FECIT ... M ... R ... BILIUM ... SUUM
Work on display

Leonardo thought highly of Zenale, one of the most influential painters and architects in Lombardy. In this minor masterpiece, the Virgin and Child show themselves through a window in a fantastically rocky landscape. Delicate lighting illuminates their features and moulds the perspective. Two angels are firmly seated on the window ledge on the observer’s side. While one plays, the other points to Jesus who has ceased suckling at his mother’s breast and clutches a coral necklace, alluding to his Passion.