Description
The painting Madonna with Child and Two Angels, also known as the Crevole Madonna, is a masterpiece of Italian Gothic art created by the artist Duccio Di Buoninsegna in the 14th century. This painting is one of Duccio's most famous works and is considered one of the most important works in the history of art.
The artistic style of the Crevole Madonna is typical of Italian Gothic art with its attention to detail and realistic depiction of the human figure. The composition of the painting is one of the most interesting features of the work. The figure of the Virgin Mary with the baby Jesus in her arms is in the center of the painting, flanked by two angels who hold a crown on her head. The triangular composition is a common element in Gothic painting and helps to emphasize the importance of the central figure.
The use of color in the Crevole Madonna is another interesting aspect of the work. Duccio uses a wide range of colors to create a vibrant and detailed image. The use of gold in the crown and in the decorative details of the clothing of the Virgin Mary and the angels is a common element in Gothic painting and helps to create a feeling of wealth and opulence.
The history of the painting is also fascinating. The Crevole Madonna was created for the chapel of the church of Santa Maria dei Servi in Siena, Italy, and was commissioned by the Sienese nobleman, Carlo di Tommaso de' Cerchi. The painting was stolen by the French in the 18th century and returned to Italy after the fall of Napoleon in 1815. Since then, it has been on display at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence.
A little known aspect of the Crevole Madonna is that Duccio created two versions of the painting. The original version, which is the one on display at the Uffizi, measures 89 x 60 cm, while the second version, known as the Madonna Rucellai, is slightly larger and is in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence.
In short, Duccio's Crevole Madonna is a masterpiece of Italian Gothic art that stands out for its artistic style, composition, use of color, and its fascinating history. The painting is one of the most important works in the history of art and continues to be a source of inspiration for artists and art lovers around the world.