Medici Madonna, ca. 1453 – 1460

Malfläche: 53.1 x 37.5 cm
Rahmenmaß: 61.7 x 46.1 x 0.8 cm

Physical Description: Mixed technique on oak

Inventory Number: 850

Acquisition: Acquired in 1833

Status: On display, 2nd upper level, Old Masters, room 5

Texts

About the Work

Soon after his return from a pilgrimage to Rome in 1450, Rogier van der Weyden was commissioned to paint a devotional picture for the Medici, the Florentine bankers’ family. This is evidenced by the choice of the ‘sacra conversazione’ (sacred conversation) – a pictorial type unusual in the North – the Florentine escutcheon with the lily, and above all the identities of the saints accompanying the Virgin: the doctor-saints Cosmas and Damian were the Medici’s patron saints, while Peter and John the Baptist were the baptismal saints of two leading family members, Piero and Giovanni de’ Medici.

Audio

Basic information

00:56
Focus on material

01:18

Work Data

Basic Information

Property and Acquisition

Work Content

Iconclass

Primary

11F611'Sacra Conversazione'
11FF41231'Galaktotrophousa' ~ Madonna - FF - the Christ-child to Mary's right
11H(PETER)0the apostle Peter, first bishop of Rome; possible attributes: book, cock, (upturned) cross, (triple) crozier, fish, key, scroll, ship, tiara - male saint represented in a group
11H(JOHN THE BAPTIST)0John the Baptist; possible attributes: book, reed cross, baptismal cup, honeycomb, lamb, staff - male saint represented in a group
11H(COSMAS & DAMIAN)0the twin-brothers Cosmas and Damian(us), martyrs and physicians; possible attributes: box of ointment, cap, gown, lancet, pestle and mortar, urinal - male saint represented in a group

Secondary