Venice, Quattrocento – 15th Century – Tempera And Gold Leaf

Created in 15th-century Venice, this refined tempera panel reflects a pivotal artistic moment when Byzantine sacred imagery met the emerging humanism of Renaissance Italy.

Its intimate dimensions (28 x 24 cm) and original curved top indicate private devotional use. This is a painting meant for close contemplation — not public display, but spiritual dialogue.

The composition follows the Byzantine Eleousa type — the Virgin of Tenderness.

Mary inclines her head toward the Child with restrained emotion. Her expression carries quiet melancholy. The Christ Child blesses in the traditional Greek manner, his face rendered with the solemn maturity typical of Eastern iconography.

Yet here, something evolves.

The sacred distance softens.
The emotional bond deepens.
The image breathes.

Venice maintained profound artistic connections with Crete and the Byzantine world throughout the 15th century. While Florence embraced perspectival innovation, Venice sustained and refined gold-ground traditions.

This panel demonstrates that subtle transition:

• Angular drapery derived from Byzantine prototypes

• Incised and tooled gold halos

• Linear elegance

• Early attempts at volumetric modelling

• A new psychological softness in the faces

Proposed attribution:
Venetian School, circa 1460–1480, workshop influenced by late Italo-Byzantine tradition.

• Egg tempera on gessoed wood panel

• Incised gold leaf background

• Mineral pigments (vermilion, azurite, lead white)

• Gold striations enhancing textile luminosity

The chromatic harmony — deep carmine red, dark blue, oxidized gold — creates a contemplative, meditative acknowledging the painting’s devotional function.

The reverse displays historic woodworm activity, long inactive and structurally stable, reinforcing the panel’s authenticity.

This work stands at a threshold:

It preserves the metaphysical stillness of Byzantine sacred art while gently introducing Renaissance humanity.

Such transitional Venetian devotional panels, especially in original format, are increasingly scarce on the international art market.

28 x 24 cm
Original curved-top format

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