Madonna and Child

Abstract

To the right of the sanctuary in San Giovanni dei Fiorentini in Rome stands a polychrome wood sculpture of the Virgin and Child enthroned, its date and origin unknown, though likely from the sixteenth or seventeenth century. The stage and backdrop, however, are probably later additions. In 2022, the sculpture underwent conservation treatment. The Virgin, crowned and youthful, is draped in a mantle that is blue on the interior and richly gilded on the exterior. The drapery is intricately sculpted with deep, flowing folds. The infant Christ reclines in her lap, his hand gripping the edge of her garment. The polychromy, probably not all original, is chipped in numerous places, and a network of cracks spreads across the surface. Photograph(s) licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.