Domenico Veneziano, Madonna Berenson

Description

Against the background of a dark red brocade with floral motifs, with a rich gold hallmark, Mary is represented half-length, with the Child playing seated on a cushion and with his legs resting on a hypothetical parapet that coincides with the lower edge of the painting. It is one of the oldest examples of this motif in Italy, derived from the example of the Flemish Primitives. The physical types of the Madonna and Child refer to the painter's work, as do the clear light, the delicate application of the complexions, the attention to detail, such as the transparent veil on the Madonna's forehead, the intimate and quiet tone, with a complex exchange of gestures and looks. Mary hands the Child a bud or perhaps a small pear tree, an allusion to the original Sin that Christ will wash away with his sacrifice. The richness of the background refers to works by Gentile da Fabriano, such as the Madonna of Humility in Pisa, as well as the rich treatment of gold, now engraved, now pinzoned, now applied in relief as in the decorative motifs of Mary's robe.