Artwork
Madonna and Child
Madonna and Child is a tempera painting by the Mannerist artist Lo Spagna. It dates from 1515 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum. Created in 1515, this tempera panel portrays the Virgin Mary cradling the infant Jesus.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
As a religious work in the tempera medium, it participates in a long tradition of devotional images intended for private contemplation or altarpiece use.
The painting depicts the Madonna and Child, a central subject in Christian religious art. Mary appears with the infant Jesus, a conventional iconographic pairing that emphasizes maternal devotion and Christ's humanity. As a religious work in the tempera medium, it participates in a long tradition of devotional images intended for private contemplation or altarpiece use.
The intimate scale, 21 by 16 centimetres, suggests a personal devotional function, inviting close viewing and prayer. The subject carries layered significance: Mary as the Mother of God and the Christ Child as the incarnate saviour, together representing the mystery of the Incarnation and the promise of redemption.
Technique & Style
The work was executed in tempera on a wooden panel, a technique typical of early sixteenth‑century Italian religious painting. The surface bears the characteristic smoothness of tempera, while the delicate modeling of Mary and the infant Christ reflects the gentle emotionality of the period. The composition is tightly framed, emphasizing the intimate connection between mother and child, and the muted palette underscores the devotional tone.
The painting’s condition is stable, with only minor craquelure along the edges, preserving the integrity of the original brushwork.
History & Provenance
The painting titled "Madonna and Child" was created by Lo Spagna in 1515 as a religious work in tempera. It was produced in Italy and originally entered the collection of the Hermitage Museum, where it remains on display.
The work entered the Hermitage Museum's holdings in the early 20th century, forming part of its permanent collection of European religious paintings. It has been listed in the museum's catalogue as a work commissioned for devotional use, though specific patronage details are not documented.
The painting Madonna and Child by Lo Spagna is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum. Created in 1515, the work is executed in tempera on panel and depicts the Virgin Mary with the Christ Child. While the piece is documented as part of the museum's holdings, the provided records do not list a specific inventory number or detail any past exhibitions for this artwork.
Overview
Created in 1515, this tempera panel portrays the Virgin Mary cradling the infant Jesus. The work belongs to the collection of the State Hermitage Museum and exemplifies the devotional imagery common to early sixteenth‑century Italy.
Context
During the early 1500s, depictions of the Madonna and Child were a staple of religious art, serving both liturgical and private devotional purposes. Lo Spagna’s version aligns with contemporary iconography while incorporating the serene spatial settings typical of his Perugino‑inspired circle.
Artist & collection
Artist
Lo Spagna (died c. 1529), "the Spaniard" in Italian, was a painter of the Renaissance, active in central Italy. His name was Giovanni di Pietro, but he was known as Lo Spagna because he was of Spanish heritage. He was…
