Description
The painting "Virgin and Child with the Infant St John and an Angel" by artist Jacopo Del Sellaio is an Italian Renaissance masterpiece that has captivated art lovers for centuries. The composition of the painting is impressive, with the Virgin Mary holding the baby Jesus on her lap while little Saint John the Baptist and an angel surround him. The figure of the Virgin Mary is especially impressive, with her serene face and dark blue dress contrasting beautifully against the gold background.
Del Sellaio's artistic style is clearly influenced by his mentor, Fra Filippo Lippi, but also shows strong influence from other artists of the time, such as Sandro Botticelli. Del Sellaio's technique is impressive, with expert use of chiaroscuro and meticulous attention to detail. The painting is a showcase of the artist's ability to create a sense of depth and perspective on a flat surface.
Color is another impressive aspect of painting. Del Sellaio uses a rich, vibrant color palette, with warm tones of gold, orange and red contrasting with cool tones of blue and green. The light that bathes the scene is soft and warm, creating a sense of calm and serenity.
The history of painting is fascinating. It was commissioned by a Florentine merchant named Giovanni di Bartolomeo Scheggia in the 15th century, and is believed to have been created as a private devotional object for his family. The painting was kept in the Scheggia family for several centuries before being sold to a private collector in the 19th century. Finally, in 1939, it was acquired by the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where it is currently located.
Although the painting is widely known and admired, there are some lesser-known aspects that make it even more interesting. For example, the angel figure is believed to have been added later by another artist, possibly by Botticelli himself. Additionally, the painting has undergone several restorations over the years, leading to some changes to the original appearance of the work.
In summary, the painting "Virgin and Child with the Infant St John and an Angel" by Jacopo Del Sellaio is an Italian Renaissance masterpiece that combines impressive technique with beautiful composition and a vibrant color palette. Its fascinating history and some lesser-known aspects make it even more interesting for those who admire it.