Artwork
Madonna and Child with Saint Catherine of Siena and Saint Cecilia
Madonna and Child with Saint Catherine of Siena and Saint Cecilia is an oil painting by Francesco Vanni. It is held in the collection of the National Galleries Scotland.
About this work
Overview
Madonna and Child with Saint Catherine of Siena and Saint Cecilia is a religious painting on copper, created circa 1650 by Italian artist Francesco Vanni. It is part of the Scottish National Gallery's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts the Virgin Mary holding the baby Jesus, flanked by two female saints: Saint Catherine of Siena (left, in red and gold) and Saint Cecilia (right, in white and black). The composition centers on the Virgin, emphasizing devotion and harmony.
Technique & Style
Vanni employed a striking color palette on the copper medium, contrasting vibrant reds and blues with the subdued tones of the depicted stone architecture. The arrangement of figures achieves a harmonious balance.
History & Provenance
Created around 1650, the work is attributed to Francesco Vanni's activity in Rome and Siena during the late 16th to early 17th centuries. It is currently held in the Scottish National Gallery's collection.
Context
The painting reflects the religious art themes prevalent in 17th-century Italy, characterized by the use of recognizable saints and serene, idealized backgrounds, such as the landscape with trees and water behind the figures.
Artist & collection
Artist
Francesco Vanni (1563 – 26 October 1610) was an Italian painter, draughtsman, printmaker, publisher and printer active in Rome and his native city of Siena.
The Mystic Marriage of Saint Catherine
Annunciation
Mary Introducing St Catherine of Siena to Christ
Mary and Child with Angels Playing Music
The Holy Family on the Steps
Mystische Verlobung der Hl. Katharina
Madonna with the Child, Saint Cecily and Saint Albert
Mary Introducing St Catherine of Siena to Christ
The Dream of Saint Catherine of Alexandria
An Allegory: Fidelity
Madonna and Child Enthroned with Saint Peter Martyr and Two Warrior Saints- Madonna and Child with Saints Lucy and Catherine and 2 Nuns