Madonna and Child with Two Angels

second half 15th century

Florentine 15th Century

Associated Names
Florentine 15th Century

Sculptor

The sculpture shows a seated figure holding a child, surrounded by two smaller winged figures. The subject is central with a prominent position in the composition, flanked by columns. The sculpture is crafted in a gold color, possibly a metal like brass or gilded. The figure at the top of the triangular pediment appears to be holding a scroll, flanked by two small figures. The sculpture features detailed patterns etched into the background and framework, including repeated geometric designs and motifs. The expression and posture of the figures suggest a calm and composed arrangement.

Media Options

Skip thumbnail navigation
Back to thumbnail navigation
This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.
Not on view See artworks now on view

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    gilded bronze//Excluding flesh areas of figures

  • Credit Line

    Samuel H. Kress Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall (minimum width across central pilaster shafts): 19.35 × 9.08 cm (7 5/8 × 3 9/16 in.)
    overall (maximum width across wings of angels): 19.35 × 11.35 cm (7 5/8 × 4 7/16 in.)
    gross weight: 740.2 gr (1.632 lb.)

  • Accession Number

    1957.14.392

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Gustave Dreyfus [1837-1914], Paris; his estate; purchased 1930 by (Duveen Brothers, Inc., London and New York); purchased 1945 by the Samuel H. Kress Foundation, New York; gift 1957 to NGA.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1886

  • Molinier, Émile. Les Bronzes de la Renaissance. Les Plaquettes; Catalogue Raisonné. 2 vols. Paris, 1886: 2:55, no. 425.

1908

  • Migeon, Gaston. "La collection de M. Gustave Dreyfus, V: Les plaquettes." Les Arts 80 (August 1908): 30, repro.

1931

  • Ricci, Seymour de. The Gustave Dreyfus Collection. Reliefs and Plaquettes. Oxford, 1931: 194, no. 268.

1951

  • Renaissance Bronzes: Statuettes, Reliefs and Plaquettes, Medals and Coins from the Kress Collection. Introduction by Perry B. Cott. National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1951: 146, repro 72.

1965

  • Pope-Hennessy, John W. Renaissance Bronzes from the Samuel H. Kress Collection: Reliefs, Plaquettes, Statuettes, Utensils and Mortars. London, 1965: 81, no. 281, fig. 25.

1983

  • Wilson, Carolyn C. Renaissance Small Bronze Sculpture and Associated Decorative Arts at the National Gallery of Art. Washington, 1983: 25, no. 1.

Wikidata ID

Q63814808