Artwork
Madonna and Child
Madonna and Child is an oil painting by the Mannerist artist Francesco Bacchiacca. It dates from 1520 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts the Madonna and Child, a foundational devotional subject in Christian art centered on the Virgin Mary holding the infant Christ.
The painting depicts the Madonna and Child, a foundational devotional subject in Christian art centered on the Virgin Mary holding the infant Christ. According to the sources, the work portrays Mary and the Christ Child as its main subject, classified within the genre of religious art. This iconographic pairing traditionally represents themes of divine motherhood, the Incarnation, and maternal tenderness, serving as a focal point for personal and liturgical devotion.
The work's religious genre and explicit identification of Mary and the Christ Child as depicted figures confirm its function as a sacred image rather than a secular portrait.
Technique & Style
Created in 1520, this religious painting by Francesco Bacchiacca is executed in oil paint on a panel support. The work measures 87 centimeters in height and 67.3 centimeters in width. Stylistically, the piece adheres to the Mannerist tendencies of the artist, depicting the Virgin Mary and the Christ Child as the central subjects.
The medium of oil allows for the detailed rendering characteristic of the artist's approach to religious iconography during this period. The composition focuses on the intimate interaction between the Madonna and Child, a standard subject in Renaissance devotional art. The physical dimensions and material composition remain consistent with early sixteenth-century Florentine panel painting practices.
History & Provenance
The painting known as Madonna and Child was created by Francesco Bacchiacca, also identified as Francesco d'Ubertino Verdi, in 1520. Executed in oil paint on a panel measuring 87 by 67.3 centimeters, the work depicts the religious subjects of Mary and the Christ Child. It is currently held within the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, where it forms part of the permanent holdings.
While the specific accession number, original commissioning patron, and chain of ownership prior to its arrival at the museum are not detailed in the provided records, the work's inception is firmly established in the early sixteenth century within the artist's oeuvre. No exhibition history is recorded in the sources.
Overview
Painted in 1520 by the Florentine artist Francesco d’Ubertino Verdi, known as Bachiacca, this oil on panel depicts the Virgin Mary tenderly holding the Christ Child. The artwork is a characteristic example of the religious themes prevalent during the Renaissance and showcases elements of the emerging Mannerist style. It is currently part of the collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Context
As a Florentine artist working in the early 16th century, Bachiacca was part of a vibrant artistic environment during the High Renaissance. His adoption of the Mannerist style, characterized by its elegance and often subtle emotional intensity, marked a departure from the strict classicism of earlier Renaissance masters. The enduring popularity of the Madonna and Child theme throughout this era provided artists with a rich subject for exploring both devotional sentiment and artistic innovation.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Francesco d'Ubertino Verdi, called Bachiacca (say "bah ki ah cka"). He is also known as Francesco Ubertini, il Bacchiacca (1494–1557). He was an Italian painter of the Renaissance whose work is characteristic of the…
