Early 15th Century Painting With Madonna And Child On A Gold Ground

Refined and unique oil painting on solid walnut panel,with a pure gold ground, depicting a Madonna with Child and a Goldfinch. It isa typical example of Italian and Tuscan devotional painting, depicting theMadonna with her head bowed toward her son, who supports the baby Jesus in onehand. The baby Jesus is depicted standing, with an almost adult bust and a redtunic that leaves his chest exposed. A distinctive feature of thisrepresentation is the presence of a goldfinch, which the Madonna holds in herother hand; furthermore, the bird is attached to a string held by the babyJesus. It is no coincidence that the goldfinch is depicted, as it is apremonitory symbol of Christ's Passion. The punched decorations, with smallcircles or motifs impressed into the gold, are also exquisite and refined,present both in the halos and in the decorations of the robes. The panel likelyoriginated as a tabernacle, hence its spire shape, and underwent conservativerestoration in the last century. It is a work of great taste and elegance,capable of lending a touch of antiquity to any setting. The painting also comeswith an export certificate. Given the stylistic techniques used, this splendidwork is attributed to the Sienese school of Lippo Menni, dating to around theend of the 15th century.

Dimensions: H x W x D 53 x 28 x 2.5cm