Artwork

Virgin and Child with an Angel

Virgin and Child with an Angel, by Francesco del Cossa, tempera, 1460
Virgin and Child with an Angel, by Francesco del Cossa, tempera, 1460

Virgin and Child with an Angel is a tempera painting by the Early Renaissance artist Francesco del Cossa. It dates from 1460 and is held in the collection of the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya.

About this work

Overview

Virgin and Child with an Angel is a tempera painting created by Francesco del Cossa around 1460. It is a representative work of the early Renaissance period and is currently held in the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child, accompanied by an angel. The figures are set against a backdrop of green foliage and red flowers, and are distinguished by their golden halos. The scene is a traditional representation of a religious theme.

Technique & Style

The painting is characterized by the use of flat, bright colors and a lack of shading to convey depth. The figures are depicted in a straightforward manner, with an emphasis on their symbolic significance rather than naturalistic representation. The artist's use of tempera, a medium made from pigment and egg, contributes to the painting's distinctive appearance.

History & Provenance

Francesco del Cossa, associated with the School of Ferrara, created this work early in his career. He later went on to work in Bologna after 1470, where he continued to produce frescoes and religious paintings.

Virgin and Child with an Angel
Virgin and Child with an Angel, Cosimo Rosselli

Artist & collection

Artist

Francesco del Cossa

Francesco del Cossa (c. 1430 – c. 1477) was an Italian Renaissance painter of the School of Ferrara, who after 1470 worked in Bologna. Cossa is best known for his frescoes, especially his collaboration with Cosimo Tura…

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Virgin and Child with an Angel?

Virgin and Child with an Angel was painted by Francesco del Cossa in 1460.

Where can I see Virgin and Child with an Angel?

Virgin and Child with an Angel is held by Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya.

What movement is Virgin and Child with an Angel?

Virgin and Child with an Angel is associated with Early Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of Virgin and Child with an Angel?

Museum-quality prints of Virgin and Child with an Angel are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.