Description
The painting Madonna of the Poppy by Paolo Veneziano is a masterpiece of Italian Gothic art, dating from the 14th century and currently in the National Gallery of Art in Washington. The painting has a vertical composition, with the Virgin Mary seated on a throne, holding the Child Jesus on her lap. In her right hand she holds a poppy, a symbol of Christ's passion.
The artistic style of the painting is typical of Italian Gothic, with meticulous attention to detail and great skill in rendering the folds of clothing and the faces of the characters. Colors are bright and saturated, with a palette of warm tones contrasting with the cool tones of the dark background.
The history of the painting is interesting as it is believed to have been commissioned by the Venier family of Venice, one of the most powerful and influential families of the time. The work was created for the family chapel in the church of San Giovanni in Bragora in Venice, where it remained for centuries before being sold to a private collector in the 19th century.
One of the least known aspects of painting is its relationship with literature. The poppy held by the Virgin Mary is believed to be a reference to the Italian epic poem The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri, where the author describes Paradise as a garden of poppies. This literary reference gives an additional dimension to the painting, showing the connection between art and literature in medieval times.
In short, Paolo Veneziano's Madonna of the Poppy painting is a fascinating work of art that combines the technical skill of Italian Gothic with an interesting history and a connection to the literature of the time. Its composition, color and detail make it a masterpiece of medieval art that continues to captivate viewers today.