Italian school (XIX) - Madonna con Bambino

Italian Manufacture, 19th century “Madonna with Child” Dimensions: 45 x 38.5 cm (30 x 24 cm) Mixed technique on fabric or textile support: drawing/painting and polychrome embroidery with silk threads, with graphic and pictorial interventions for the flesh tones and embroidery extensively used in the garments, hair, halos and ornamental details. Subject and description The work depicts the Virgin and Child, represented in an intimate affectionate stance. Mary gently bows her head toward Jesus, while the Child, seated on her knees, brings his face toward the maternal one and rests a hand on the Virgin’s chest. The composition echoes models of Marian devotion from the Renaissance, reinterpreted through a particularly refined artisanal technique. The faces, characterized by a delicate chiaroscuro and precise drawing, deliberately contrast with the greater materiality of the robes. Particularly interesting is the use of embroidery: extremely fine colored threads follow the drapery and construct the volumetric mantle of the Virgin, the red robe, the green‑gold drapery of the Child and numerous details. The alternation between drawn surface and embroidered surface gives the image an almost three‑dimensional quality. Iconography The setting derives from Italian Renaissance Madonnas, later frequently echoed in 19th‑century devotional art. Historical-artistic considerations In the 19th century, alongside the rediscovery of medieval and Renaissance art, devotional works made with mixed techniques and applied arts enjoyed notable popularity. In this exemplar the most interesting aspect is precisely the attempt to transform embroidery into painting: the direction and density of the threads are varied to suggest folds, shadows, hair and decorations. It is therefore not a simple decorated fabric, but a work conceived as a true embroidered figurative image. Condition report From the photographs, the work appears to be in generally good conservational condition, considering the particular delicacy of the technique and its presumed age. The embroidery retains good legibility and a chromatic range still appreciable, with natural variations and possible fading due to age. There are slight alterations and superficial irregularities compatible with an antique textile artifact. The support is not fully examinable since the back is protected by a panel. Given the nature of the work, it would be advisable to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, humidity and strong thermal/hygrometric variations. Frame The work is presented in a gilded wooden frame of historicist taste, with an inner carved band and repeated ornamental motifs. The frame shows normal signs of age, small abrasions and wear of the gilding, and is well suited to the devotional character of the image. *** Note on photographs Some of the photographies accompanying this card have been professionally produced with controlled artificial lighting, using a studio spotlight, in order to ensure better legibility of the work and to allow a more precise observation of the pictorial surface, figurative details and chromaticity. The present frame is provided as a courtesy - Certificate of lawful provenance and Expertise - Insured shipping and electronic invoicing

Stima:€500

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