Artwork
Madonna and Child with Four Angels
Madonna and Child with Four Angels is an unspecified painting by the High Renaissance artist Fra Bartolomeo. It dates from 1514 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum.
About this work
History & Provenance
The work, a square-format painting measuring 130 by 130 centimeters and dated 1514, is held there as part of the museum's holdings of Italian religious art.
The painting titled Madonna and Child with Four Angels was created by the Italian artist Fra Bartolomeo in 1514. Executed in Italy, this religious work depicts the Virgin Mary and the Christ Child surrounded by four angels. The piece is currently held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum.
While the specific commission details and the full chain of ownership prior to its arrival at the museum are not detailed in the available records, the work's creation date is firmly established as 1514.
Madonna and Child with Four Angels has been in the collection of the Hermitage Museum. The work, a square-format painting measuring 130 by 130 centimeters and dated 1514, is held there as part of the museum's holdings of Italian religious art.
No specific exhibition history is recorded in the available sources.
Overview
Madonna and Child with Four Angels is a 1514 painting by Fra Bartolomeo, a Dominican friar and artist, now housed at the State Hermitage Museum.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child, surrounded by four angels playing circular musical instruments. The composition emphasizes the central figures through contrasting colors and lighting, with the Virgin's red robe drawing focus against a dark background. A faded inscription 'MATER DEI' (Mother of God) above reinforces the subject's religious significance.
Technique & Style
Fra Bartolomeo employed chiaroscuro to create a sense of depth and volume, particularly in the angels' rounded, lifelike faces illuminated by subtle, nuanced light. The calm expression of the Virgin and the direct gaze of the Christ Child add to the work's serene and engaging presence.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Fra Bartolomeo or Bartolommeo (UK: US: Italian:; 28 March 1472 – 31 October 1517), also known as Bartolommeo di Pagholo, Bartolommeo di San Marco, Bartolomeo di Paolo di Jacopo del Fattorino, and his original nickname…
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