Madonna and Child
Regionfrom the area of
Ferrara
(Italy)
Datelate 1400s
Mediumterracotta with polychrome
Dimensions100.3 cm (39 1/2 in.)
ClassificationsSculpture
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1916.102
DescriptionUnglazed mottled blue, red and cream polychrome terra cotta life-sized sculpture. Virgin seated on a box-like throne with tasseled cushion. Christ child balanced upright on left knee. Naturalistic detail of hair and face with drapery suggesting underlying form. Overall rigidity of the figures.Label TextThe attribution of this sculpture to Domenico di Paris is based on comparison with other terra cotta architectural decoration by the artist dating from the last half of the fifteenth century. Seated on a box-like throne with a tasseled cushion, the Virgin balances the Christ Child on her left knee. The artist was clearly interested in a naturalistic rendering of the subject as seen in the painted details of the hair and faces, and the careful modeling of the drapery which suggests the underlying forms. The attempt at naturalism is hindered, however, by the overall stiffness of the figures. ProvenanceAlfredo Barsanti, Rome, Italy
On View
On view
