Madonna and Child with Saints John the Baptist and Elizabeth, 1490 – 1500

Dimensions: 72 x 90 x 0.9 cm

Physical Description: Mixed technique on poplar

Inventory Number: 853

Acquisition: Acquired in 1833

Status: On display, 2nd upper level, Old Masters, room 16

Texts

About the Work

The Mother of God and the Christ Child are in the company of John the Baptist and his mother, Elizabeth. This devotional painting radiates quietude of a virtually sublime character. The pictorial type known as ‘sacra conversazione’ (sacred conversation) was extremely popular. Successful artists like Bellini produced several versions of it, combining figures based on standardised models. This explains why Elizabeth and John cannot see the Infant Jesus, but only Mary’s back. The painting undoubtedly owes its aura in good part to the brilliant blue produced from the precious lapis lazuli.

Audio & Video

Basic information

01:22
Focus on art history

02:07
Focus on material

03:13
Exhibition “Titian and the Renaissance in Venice” (2019)

02:13

Kunst|Stück – Giovanni Bellini: Madonna mit Kind, Johannes dem Täufer und der heiligen Elisabeth

Sammlungshighlights des Städel Museums in unterhaltsamen und informativen Filmen – das sind die Kunst|Stücke. Entdecken Sie spannende Details zu Kunstwerken aus ungewöhnlichen Blickwinkeln in unter zwei Minuten. Giovanni Bellini und Werkstatt: Madonna mit Kind, Johannes dem Täufer und der heiligen Elisabeth (1490-1500), Städel Museum Frankfurt. https://sammlung.staedelmuseum.de/de/werk/madonna-mit-kind-johannes-dem-taeufer-und-der-heiligen-elisa#yt

Work Data

Basic Information

Title: Madonna and Child with Saints John the Baptist and Elizabeth

Painter

Giovanni Bellini and workshop

Period Produced

15th century

School

Renaissance

Object Type

painting (artwork)

Physical Description: Mixed technique on poplar

Material

poplar wood

Technique

mixed technique

Label at the Time of Manufacture: Signiert unten in der Mitte der Gesimsplatte: IOANNES BELLINVS

Property and Acquisition

Work Content

Motifs and References

Iconclass

Primary

11F611'Sacra Conversazione'
11FF4222Mary sitting or enthroned, the Christ-child sitting on her knee (Christ-child to Mary's left) - FF - the Christ-child to Mary's right
11F711Christ-child making speaking or blessing gestures ~ Madonna-representations
11HH(ELISABETH)Elisabeth, mother of John the Baptist; possible attributes: John the Baptist as child
11H(JOHN THE BAPTIST)John the Baptist; possible attributes: book, reed cross, baptismal cup, honeycomb, lamb, staff
11Q21one person praying
31A2522hands folded