Description
The painting Madonna Enthroned with Angels and Saints by Jacopo Del Casentino is a stunning work of art housed in the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC This 14th century masterpiece of Italian art is a perfect example of the International Gothic style, which is characterized by its smooth and elegant lines and its use of perspective.
The composition of the painting is impressive, with the figure of the Virgin Mary seated on a throne surrounded by angels and saints. The Virgin Mary is the focal point of the painting, and her figure stands out above the other characters. The angels and saints are arranged in an arch pattern, creating a sense of movement and depth in the painting.
The use of color in the painting is impressive, with a soft and warm color palette. The golden and blue tones are especially remarkable, and are used to highlight the figure of the Virgin Mary. The details in the clothing of the characters are exceptional, with special care in the textures of the fabrics.
The history of the painting is interesting, as it is believed to have been created in the 1330s for the church of San Giovanni in Cascina, near Pisa. It is unknown how it came to the collection of the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC, but it is known that it was acquired in 1947.
One of the lesser known aspects of the painting is that Jacopo Del Casentino was a very influential artist in his time. He was one of the first artists to use perspective in painting, earning him a great reputation in his time. In addition, he was one of the first artists to use the grisaille technique, which involves painting in shades of gray to create the illusion of depth.
In short, the painting Madonna Enthroned with Angels and Saints by Jacopo Del Casentino is a masterpiece of 14th century Italian art. Its International Gothic style, its impressive composition, its use of color and its fascinating history make it one of the most interesting paintings in the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC