Virgin and child enthroned with four angels
c. 1460-70
Piero della Francesca brings his signature geometric calm to this serene scene of the Virgin Mary and baby Jesus, surrounded by four rather serious-looking angels. Notice the figure on the far left with his arms crossed—he looks more like a bored teenager waiting in line than a heavenly messenger! The heavy, sculptural folds of Mary's deep blue robe and the classical architecture behind them perfectly capture the mathematical precision of the Italian Renaissance. The heavy cracking across the surface tells the story of its long, 500-year journey through history.
Location: National Gallery, London
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