Artwork

Madonna and Child with Two Angels

Madonna and Child with Two Angels, by Vittore Crivelli, unspecified, 1491
Madonna and Child with Two Angels, by Vittore Crivelli, unspecified, 1491

Madonna and Child with Two Angels is an unspecified painting by the Early Renaissance artist Vittore Crivelli. It dates from 1491 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This painting depicts the Virgin Mary, crowned and robed in elaborate gold, cradling the infant Jesus.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

These visual components collectively establish the work's meaning within the context of late 15th-century religious iconography.

Vittore Crivelli's 1491 religious painting, Madonna and Child with Two Angels, centers on the main subject of the Madonna and Child, depicting the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child. The composition includes two angels flanking the central figures, reinforcing the sacred nature of the scene. Iconographic elements such as a bird and fruit appear within the work, contributing to its religious symbolism.

As a piece of religious art housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the painting represents traditional devotional themes focused on the maternal relationship between Mary and Jesus, enhanced by the presence of angelic attendants. These visual components collectively establish the work's meaning within the context of late 15th-century religious iconography.

History & Provenance

The painting Madonna and Child with Two Angels was created by the Italian artist Vittore Crivelli. Historical records and museum data establish the work's inception in 1491. Classified as a religious genre piece, the artwork depicts the Virgin Mary, the Christ Child, and two angels, accompanied by symbolic elements such as birds and fruit.

The panel measures 55.6 by 40.7 centimeters. Currently, the piece is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it remains on display. While the specific original commission or earlier ownership chain prior to its museum acquisition is not detailed in the available records, the attribution to Crivelli and the dating to 1491 are consistently documented.

Overview

This painting depicts the Virgin Mary, crowned and robed in elaborate gold, cradling the infant Jesus. She is flanked by two angels, who observe the sacred pair. The composition places the figures on a stone surface, adorned with symbolic objects, against a vibrant blue background detailed with natural elements. The work showcases a rich use of color and decorative elements characteristic of its period.

Technique & Style

The artist employs a detailed and decorative approach, evident in the intricate gold patterns and embedded jewels adorning the Virgin's robe. The angels are rendered with golden halos and wings, their robes in contrasting green and white. The background features a deep blue sky populated with fruit and leaves, creating a sense of depth and natural abundance. This meticulous rendering of textures and symbolic details defines the painting's visual character.

Context

This artwork aligns with a tradition of devotional painting that emphasized rich ornamentation and symbolic detail. The stylistic elements, such as the elaborate drapery and the precise rendering of natural forms, suggest a connection to artists working within a similar regional or period aesthetic. For instance, the work shares visual affinities with the style of Vittore Crivelli, known for his highly decorative and expressive religious compositions.

Madonna and Child with Angels
Madonna and Child with Angels, Sandro Botticelli

Artist & collection

Artist

Vittore Crivelli

Vittorio (or Vittore) Crivelli (c. 1440 – 1501 or 1502) was an Italian painter and brother of Carlo Crivelli. His works are similar in style to his brother's, but less accomplished. He was born and died in…

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Madonna and Child with Two Angels?

Madonna and Child with Two Angels was painted by Vittore Crivelli in 1481-01-01.

Where can I see Madonna and Child with Two Angels?

Madonna and Child with Two Angels is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is Madonna and Child with Two Angels?

Madonna and Child with Two Angels is associated with Early Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of Madonna and Child with Two Angels?

Museum-quality prints of Madonna and Child with Two Angels are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.