Benedetto da Maiano (Florence, 1442 - 1497, Florence)
Virgin and Child, about 1495
Polychromed and gilded terracotta, 104 cm (40 15/16 in.)
This circular work of art consists of painted terracotta reliefs. Centered on the panel, carved in relief, is a front pose of the Virgin seated, holding the Christ Child on her lap. Both are carved as three-dimensional figures. The Virgin sits up with her head slightly tilted to our left, her left arm cradling the child, and her right arm crossed over her lap with fingers resting gently on the child’s right leg. The child stands on the Virgin’s lap, twisting toward her with his arms raised as she tries to steady him with her hands. The Virgin wears a mantel that falls in folds over her arms and lap. She gazes downward to the child, and her expression is calm and peaceful. The child’s body is partially swaddled, revealing his legs and feet. The figures were originally painted white with gilded haloes behind their heads. There are chips and nicks in multiple places on the surface. The wooden area behind and above the figures is painted in shades of jade green with a star pattern and a gold outer rim. Outside this area is a carved terracotta wreath of flowers, also painted white. An outer rim appears to have been gilded.
Long Gallery
Commentary
As the Christ Child stands on the Virgin’s lap, he raises his arms and turns towards her, as though squirming in the embrace. Her face remains calm and serene as she steadies the child with her hands.
This tondo (a circular work of art) has a wood base onto which the figures and the garland frame, both made of terracotta, are mounted. The figures were originally painted white, with some areas burnished. The garland was also painted white and selectively gilded. The terracotta sculpture was probably made to look like carved marble.
This tondo (a circular work of art) has a wood base onto which the figures and the garland frame, both made of terracotta, are mounted. The figures were originally painted white, with some areas burnished. The garland was also painted white and selectively gilded. The terracotta sculpture was probably made to look like carved marble.