Madonna of Humility

About the Art

This painting shows an early shift toward naturalism in European art, a defining trait in art of the so-called Renaissance of the fifteenth- through seventeenth centuries. While the gold leaf background indicates a heavenly realm, the figures convey a greater sense of physicality than in earlier paintings. Note how the Madonna's weight presses down the pillow on which she sits, and her right knee is shown protruding forward. Likewise, the Christ Child moves his body and twists to look outward.

FEATURED IMAGE
Giovanni di Francesco Toscani (Italian, about 1370–1430), Madonna of Humility, about 1410, tempera and gold leaf on poplar, 26 3/4 x 18 1/4 x 1 1/4 inches (67.9 x 46.4 x 3.2 cm). Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Elton F. MacDonald, 1957.142