The Madonna and Child (Masaccio)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Madonna with Child and Angels

Masaccio, 1426

Wood

135,5 × 75 cm

National Gallery, London

The Madonna with Child and Angels is a painting by the Italian Renaissance painter Masaccio, who worked in collaboration with his brother Giovanni and with Andrea di Giusto.

The painting is the central panel of a large, 19 piece winged altar executed for a chapel of the notary Giuliano di Colino in the church of Carmelite Church in Pisa. Ten other panels of the altarpiece are in various museums.

The painting contains 6 figures, the Madonna and child and 4 angels. The Madonna is the centre figure and is larger than any of the others to sygnify her importance. The work is symmetrical. The painting is a step away from International Gothic in the sense that Masaccio has created a more realistic approach to the subject.

The faces are more realistic and not idealised.
The baby Jesus is less of a small man and more child like.
An attempt at creating depth has been attempted by Massacio's placement of the two background angels.
Chiaroscuro is clearly visible as the lightsoarce is coming from the left of the painting.
The Madonna's drapery is more linear and the folds are smaller and more realistic shaping her body.