Artwork
Madonna and Child with Saints Jerome and Mary Magdalen
Madonna and Child with Saints Jerome and Mary Magdalen is an unspecified painting by the Sienese School artist Matteo di Giovanni. It is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This painting depicts a traditional religious scene featuring the Madonna and Child alongside two saints.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The painting serves as a devotional object, presenting these specific figures to the viewer for contemplation within the context of Christian iconography.
The work depicts a religious scene centered on the Madonna and Child, identified as the main subject. Flanking the Virgin Mary and the Christ Child are two saints: Jerome and Mary Magdalene. This composition constitutes a sacred conversation, a genre typical of religious art where holy figures gather in a shared space.
The inclusion of Jerome, often associated with penance and scholarship, and Mary Magdalene, a figure of repentance, alongside the central figures of the Incarnation, creates a theological narrative of redemption and divine presence. The painting serves as a devotional object, presenting these specific figures to the viewer for contemplation within the context of Christian iconography.
History & Provenance
The painting is held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, where it carries the accession number 1975.1.116. It was first recorded in modern collections at the museum in 1975 through an acquisition that remains the work’s only documented exhibition history; no further public exhibitions are listed.
Overview
This painting depicts a traditional religious scene featuring the Madonna and Child alongside two saints. The composition brings four figures into close proximity, creating an intimate grouping. Each figure is distinguished by a golden halo, signifying their sacred status. The artwork presents a serene and balanced arrangement, characteristic of devotional imagery.
Technique & Style
The artist employs a quiet and harmonious arrangement of figures, positioning them closely to emphasize their interaction within the sacred narrative. The older male saint appears absorbed in thought, contrasting with the infant's outward gesture. The gentle embrace of the Virgin and the overall balanced composition contribute to a sense of calm reverence. The use of golden halos further elevates the spiritual significance of the depicted individuals.
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Artist & collection
Artist
A 15th-century Italian painter from the Renaissance era, Matteo di Giovanni’s altarpieces glow with soft golds and deep reds.
