Madonna and Child

Oil on canvas

45 x 34 cm.

Framed: 71 x 57 cm.

(On the reverse, antique labels of provenance: the Castelli Zerli Arnaldo family)

The fine Madonna and Child presented here, dating from around the early 16th century, is traditionally attributed to the Leonardo-style painter Bernardino de’ Conti (Castelseprio, 1470 – Pavia, 1523), one of the leading figures of the Lombard Renaissance’s most glorious period, renowned above all as the official portraitist of the Sforza court in Milan.

His style represents a fascinating convergence between the solid classical Lombard tradition (represented by Vincenzo Foppa) and the revolutionary innovations brought to Milan by Leonardo da Vinci.

Returning to our Madonna and Child, we see the most beloved and widespread compositional structure of the Lombard Renaissance, in which great emphasis is placed on the affectionate bond between the Virgin – depicted with half-closed eyes and a serene expression – and her son, held in her lap with the utmost tenderness whilst reaching out in a lively gesture.

The gentle facial features and soft chiaroscuro reflect the influence of Leonardo da Vinci on the 16th-century Lombard school.

We then see the well-balanced use of the sfumato technique, invented by Leonardo, with the characteristic smooth transition between one colour and another, eliminating sharp contours to define the edges: by softening the corners of the mouth and eyes, the faces take on an air of mystery and seem as though they are about to change expression at any moment.

Mary’s face reflects an intimate and melancholic suffering, a characteristic derived directly from Leonardo’s studies on the ‘motions of the soul’ and human expressiveness. Leonardo’s softness is combined with a strong sense of form and sharp details, influenced by both Flemish painting and Northern Italian classicism.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The painting is framed in an elegant, gilded and carved wooden frame in the Renaissance style, though not antique.

The work is sold accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic sheet.

We arrange and organise the transport of purchased works, both within Italy and abroad, using professional, insured carriers.

Please contact us for any further information; we will be delighted to assist you. You can also view the painting at our gallery in Riva del Garda; we look forward to welcoming you to view our collection of works.

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