Italy, Siena / c. 1350
Madonna and Child
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Madonna and Child as painting (Italy, Siena · c. 1350).
On the eve of the Battle of Montaperti in 1260, the Tuscan town of Siena was dedicated to the Virgin. Siena’s miraculous victory the following day confirmed its status as the "City of the Virgin" and inspired fervent devotion among its citizens.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this painting as tempera and gold on poplar panel and credits Lippo Memmi (Italian).
The museum's collection notes: On the eve of the Battle of Montaperti in 1260, the Tuscan town of Siena was dedicated to the Virgin. Siena’s miraculous victory the following day confirmed its status as the "City of the Virgin" and inspired fervent devotion among its citizens. Marian imagery flourished, and many altarpieces comprising images of the Madonna and Child flanked by saints were made for Sienese churches. This panel once formed part of such an altarpiece. Here, the infant Christ clings to his mother’s clothing. He also holds a scroll that proclaims his special destiny. Lippo Memmi was the brother-in-law of Simone Martini, an extremely influential Sienese painter.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtMadonna and ChildOriginal explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.