Madonna del Latte
Polychrome stucco relief
Florence, 16th century
66 x 43 x 18 cm
From the 15th century onwards, Florence saw the development, among the most important and sought-after sculptors, of the passion for modeling terracotta and stucco to produce works of sacred art often intended for commissions and private use.
This led to the creation of artifacts of considerable aesthetic, historical and symbolic value, which featured shields on the base, on which the coats of arms of the purchasing families were painted.
The beautiful Madonna del Latte, in polychrome stucco presented here, belongs to this production.
On a linear base, slightly arched at the front and ending with two shields (ready to receive the buyers' coats of arms), rests a splendid Madonna and Child.
The Madonna is wrapped in a blue cloak, edged in gold and draped in elegant folds.
Mary holds the Child Jesus in her lap, gently seated on a cushion.
Jesus, whose face is surrounded by a golden halo, is depicted with a sprig of coral around his neck (an amulet for children and representing, with its red color, the blood of Christ) and is captured while, with a serene expression, he looks towards the viewer.
The Madonna, with her face surrounded by a halo and enveloped in a white veil, holds the Child to herself with maternal tenderness with her right hand, and offers him her breast with her left.
Both faces convey great serenity and loving sweetness.
The work, very "emotional," is of Florentine production, attributable to Benedetto da Maiano and his circle (see Madonna del Latte in the Museum of Palazzo Pretorio in Prato).
The object is accompanied by a certificate of free circulation, issued by the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, which certifies its age and grants the item the possibility of being exported.
Like all our other objects, the work will be sold accompanied by certificates of authenticity and legal provenance.
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