Madonna and Child Enthroned with Two Donors

Lorenzo Veneziano

Created:
Movement:
1365
Gothic art
key Notes:
Gothic Altarpiece, Devotional Portraiture
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Dimensions:
42 5/8 x 25 7/8 in. (108.3 x 65.7 cm)
medium:
Tempera on wood, gold ground
story of the work:

"Madonna and Child Enthroned with Two Donors" is a tempera on wood painting by the Venetian artist Lorenzo Veneziano, created circa 1360–65. The work exemplifies the Gothic style prevalent in Venetian painting during the 14th century. It depicts the Virgin Mary seated on a throne with the Christ Child, flanked by two donors who are likely patrons of the artwork. The identities of the donors are not definitively known, but they are typically interpreted as figures of local significance. The painting is characterized by its intricate details, vibrant colors, and the use of gold leaf, which enhances its luminosity. The composition reflects the hierarchical arrangement common in religious art of the period, emphasizing the divine nature of the figures. The work is currently housed in the collection of the Museo di Palazzo Ducale in Venice. The painting is significant for its representation of the interplay between sacred and secular themes in medieval art.

Description of the work:

"Madonna and Child Enthroned with Two Donors" by Lorenzo Veneziano is a tempera on wood painting created circa 1360–65. The composition features the Virgin Mary seated on a throne, holding the Christ Child in her lap. Both figures are adorned in richly colored garments, with intricate detailing that highlights their significance. The background is characterized by a gold ground, which enhances the luminosity of the figures and creates a sense of divine presence. Flanking the Madonna and Child are two donors, depicted in a smaller scale, who present themselves in a gesture of devotion. The use of linear perspective is evident in the arrangement of the figures and the throne, contributing to the overall sense of depth. The painting exemplifies the Gothic style, with its emphasis on verticality and ornate decoration. The facial expressions of the Madonna and Child convey a serene and tender relationship, while the donors exhibit a sense of reverence. The overall color palette is rich and vibrant, with a predominance of blues, reds, and golds, which are typical of the period. The work reflects the artist's skill in rendering fabric textures and the play of light on surfaces.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Madonna and Child Enthroned with Two Donors