Madonna and Child Enthroned
1472
Carlo Crivelli was the Renaissance equivalent of a texture obsessionist, and this 1472 panel proves it. Mary is wrapped in layers of heavy, gold-embroidered brocade that looks stiff enough to stand on its own, showcasing the artist's love for intricate, almost metallic patterns. But the real fun is at the bottom right: a hyper-realistic fly buzzes near a couple of pears on a cracked stone ledge. Crivelli was famous for painting flies as a *trompe-l'oeil* trick to prove his skill, while the fruit often symbolized the contrast between sin and redemption. The inscription at the very bottom, 'Carlo Crivelli of Venice painted this,' is carved right into the painted stone, a bold signature ensuring everyone knew who created this glittering masterpiece.
- Technique
- tempera and gold on wood panel
- Material
- wood panel
Location: National Gallery, London