Who painted Virgin and Child with Four Angels?

Virgin and Child with Four Angels was painted by Sano di Pietro in 1470.

Where can I see Virgin and Child with Four Angels?

Virgin and Child with Four Angels is held by Museum of Fine Arts Boston.

What movement is Virgin and Child with Four Angels?

Virgin and Child with Four Angels is associated with Early Renaissance.

Artwork

Virgin and Child with Four Angels

Sano di Pietro , 1470

Virgin and Child with Four Angels is a tempera painting by the Early Renaissance artist Sano di Pietro. It dates from 1470 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

This composition emphasizes the sacred relationship between mother and child and underscores the heavenly intercession symbolized by the angels.

The work portrays the Virgin Mary holding the infant Christ, accompanied by four attendant angels. This composition emphasizes the sacred relationship between mother and child and underscores the heavenly intercession symbolized by the angels. The painting is classified as a religious work created in tempera during 1470, reflecting devotional themes common in Renaissance art.

The iconography highlights Mary as the Madonna and Child as the incarnate Christ, while the angels represent celestial guardianship and the heavenly realm's presence within the earthly scene. Their inclusion reinforces theological concepts of protection and divine favor surrounding the holy family.

Technique & Style

Created in 1470, this religious painting by Sano di Pietro is executed in tempera on a wooden panel support. The work depicts the Virgin Mary and the Christ Child accompanied by four angels. The physical dimensions of the panel measure 65.4 cm in height and 47.0 cm in width.

Currently held in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, the piece represents the artist's adherence to the traditional Sienese style of the late fifteenth century.

History & Provenance

The painting Virgin and Child with Four Angels was created in 1470 by the Italian artist Sano di Pietro. Executed in tempera on a wooden panel, the work measures 65.4 cm in height and 47.0 cm in width. The piece depicts the Madonna and Christ Child within a religious context. It is currently held in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

Overview

Created around 1470, this tempera panel by Sano di Pietro portrays the Virgin Mary holding the infant Christ. The composition is centered on the mother and child, flanked by four angels, and is part of the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.

Context

During the late 15th century, Sienese artists often produced intimate devotional images for private chapels or personal devotion. This painting reflects that tradition, combining a tender mother‑child interaction with the symbolic presence of angels, a motif common in contemporary religious art.