Madonna and Child Enthroned with Two Angels

Fra Filippo Lippi

Created:
Movement:
1445
Renaissance
key Notes:
Renaissance elegance, Divine intimacy
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Dimensions:
Arched top, 48 1/4 x 24 3/4 in. (122.6 x 62.9 cm)
medium:
Tempera and gold on wood, transferred from wood
story of the work:

"Madonna and Child Enthroned with Two Angels" is a painting by the Italian Renaissance artist Fra Filippo Lippi, created around 1440. The work exemplifies Lippi's mastery of composition and use of color, showcasing the Madonna and Child seated on a throne, flanked by two angels. The figures are characterized by their graceful forms and expressive faces, typical of Lippi's style. The painting reflects the influence of both Gothic and early Renaissance art, merging spiritual themes with a sense of humanism. It is believed to have been commissioned for a church, although the specific details of its provenance are not well-documented. The work is currently housed in the Museo di San Domenico in Forli, Italy. Lippi's innovative approach to depicting sacred subjects contributed to the evolution of Renaissance art, emphasizing both divine and human qualities.

Description of the work:

"Madonna and Child Enthroned with Two Angels" by Fra Filippo Lippi, created circa 1440, features the Virgin Mary seated on a throne, holding the Christ Child in her lap. The figures are rendered in tempera and gold on wood, showcasing Lippi's mastery of color and light. Mary is depicted in a richly adorned robe, with intricate patterns and a luminous halo, emphasizing her divine status. The Christ Child is portrayed with a serene expression, reaching out towards the viewer, symbolizing accessibility and warmth. Flanking the central figures are two angels, each adorned in flowing garments, contributing to the overall sense of harmony and balance. The background is characterized by a gold leaf surface, enhancing the ethereal quality of the scene. The composition is structured with a triangular arrangement, guiding the viewer's eye towards the central figures. The use of gold and tempera creates a luminous effect, highlighting the sacred nature of the subject matter. The painting exemplifies the early Renaissance style, combining naturalism with a spiritual presence.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Madonna and Child Enthroned with Two Angels