Madonna and Child Enthroned
c. 1420
Step into the glittering world of International Gothic with this radiant panel, where gold leaf isn't just a background—it's the main event! Gentile da Fabriano was the celebrity artist of his day, famous for his obsession with luxury, and you can see it in the intricate floral patterns of the carpet and the heavy, jewel-encrusted folds of Mary's robe. Notice the Latin prayer stitched right onto the hem of her dress; it's a subtle reminder that fashion and faith were completely intertwined in the 1420s. While the stiff gold halo feels medieval, the tender way the baby Jesus reaches for his mother hints at the human emotion that the Renaissance was just about to explode onto the scene.
- Technique
- Tempera and gold on panel
- Material
- Wood panel and gold leaf
Location: National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.