Italy, Florence / c. 1510–20
Virgin and Child Enthroned with Saints Francis and Giovanni Gualberto
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Virgin and Child Enthroned with Saints Francis and Giovanni Gualberto as sculpture (Italy, Florence · c. 1510–20).
The unusual purple hue is particular to the artist.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this sculpture as glazed terracotta and credits Benedetto Buglioni (Italian, 1461–1521).
The museum's collection notes: The Madonna sits upon a throne with the Christ child standing on her knee. He is steadied by his mother, turning delicately to grasp her robe for support. On the left is Saint Francis, identified by his stigmata. On the right, Saint Giovanni Gualberto is identified by his monk's robe and distinctive processional cross. The brown robes of the saints, the purple of the Virgin's tunic, and the flesh tones of the figures contrast strongly against the bright blue background. In the semicircular sky behind the figures, three winged cherub heads emerge, representing a host of angels. Glazed terracotta is both durable and decorative and the gleaming
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtVirgin and Child Enthroned with Saints Francis and Giovanni GualbertoOriginal explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.