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Description: | Formerly attributed to the 15th century Italian school, on stylistic grounds this painting may be attributed to Matteo di Giovanni (c. 1430-1495) or a close member of his workshop. Matteo di Giovanni was active in Siena from 1452. His works are characteristic of the transition period from Sienese late Gothic to the adoption of early Florentine Renaissance innovations introduced by Massacio. Both these influences are evident in the Russell-Cotes painting, which was arguably produced during the artist's first decade in Siena. While the treatment of the Virgin's dark blue drapery reveals the sinuous folds typical of the city's late Gothic tradition, the solid, sculptural treatment of her figure and the child recall the innovations of Massacio. Both the pose and treatment of the Virgin's features recall those of Matteo di Giovanni's Madonna in his San Matteo altarpiece in Pienza Cathedral, while his handling of tonal transitions recalls earlier works. The small Russell-Cotes painting was probably produced as a private devotional work. The coat of arms in the apex of the panel remains unidentified, but its black and gold (read here as white) colouring is suggestive of a Sienese origin. | Subjects: | religion (Virgin and Child) | Source: | Vads | Creator: | Artist: Matteo di Giovanni (Italian painter, ca. 1430-1495, active in Siena) Æ Attributed to studio of | Identifier: | http://www.vads.ac.uk/large.php?uid=8464... | Go to resource |
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