Artwork
Virgin and Child, with Saint James the Great
Virgin and Child, with Saint James the Great is an unspecified painting by the Early Renaissance artist Marco Basaiti. It dates from 1500 and is held in the collection of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Virgin and Child, with Saint James the Great is a c. 1500 painting by Marco Basaiti, a Venetian Renaissance artist. It features a religious scene with the Virgin Mary, the Christ Child, and Saint James the Great.
Subject & Meaning
The Virgin's attire consists of a blue robe over a red dress, contrasting with Saint James's red robe over a black shirt.
The painting depicts a serene religious tableau: the Virgin Mary tenderly holds the naked Christ Child, while Saint James the Great stands alongside, holding a book and gazing forward. The Virgin's attire consists of a blue robe over a red dress, contrasting with Saint James's red robe over a black shirt. The background includes a landscape of trees and hills, with a peculiar element of floating infants' heads in the sky, which may symbolize the souls of the blessed or a heavenly realm.
Technique & Style
Basaiti's style in this work reflects early Renaissance characteristics, though specific technical details of the painting (medium, size, etc.) are not provided. The composition suggests a balance between figural emphasis and subtle background elements, typical of the period.
History & Provenance
Created around 1500, the painting is part of the Philadelphia Museum of Art's collection. Basaiti's career is primarily documented through his signed works and Venetian guild records.
Artist & collection
Artist
Marco Basaiti (c. 1470 – 1530) was a Venetian painter of the Renaissance who worked mainly in Venice and was a contemporary of Giovanni Bellini and Cima da Conegliano. He has been referred to by several names including…
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