Madonna and Child with Nine Angels
Segna di Buonaventura
"Madonna and Child with Nine Angels" is a painting attributed to the Italian artist Segna di Buonaventura, created around 1315. The work exemplifies the early Sienese style, characterized by its use of gold leaf and intricate detailing. The composition features the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child, surrounded by nine angels, which emphasizes the divine nature of the figures. Segna di Buonaventura was active in Siena during the early 14th century, and his works are noted for their spiritual intensity and decorative qualities. The painting reflects the influence of Byzantine art, particularly in its iconography and use of flat, frontal figures. The exact provenance of the painting is unknown, and it is currently housed in a museum collection, though the specific location may vary. The work is significant for its representation of the transition from medieval to early Renaissance art in Italy.
"Madonna and Child with Nine Angels" by Segna di Buonaventura, created circa 1315, is a tempera on panel painting that exemplifies the early Italian Renaissance style. The composition features the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child at the center, surrounded by nine angels arranged in a semi-circle. The figures are characterized by elongated forms and delicate features, typical of the period's emphasis on grace and spirituality. The use of gold leaf in the background enhances the ethereal quality of the scene, creating a luminous effect. The color palette is rich yet restrained, with deep blues, reds, and golds that draw attention to the central figures. The angels are depicted with varying poses and expressions, contributing to a sense of movement and divine presence. The overall arrangement emphasizes the importance of the Madonna and Child, positioning them as central figures in a celestial hierarchy. The painting reflects the artist's skill in rendering intricate details, particularly in the drapery and facial expressions of the figures.