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Madonna and Child

Madonna and Child is a painted terracotta relief attributed to Donatello. The work depicts the Madonna and Child and is now in the Louvre. Its attribution has been questioned by Ludwig Goldscheider, who wrote that there are no Madonna reliefs that can be accepted with perfect confidence as having been chiselled by Donatello. The source also notes that chisels would not have been used to make a terracotta relief.

Painted terracotta relief of Madonna and Child with halos, the woman in blue and gold holding a child in red against a gilt background.
Painted terracotta relief of Madonna and Child, shown with halos in a gilded setting.
1889 © Müntz, Eugène, 1845-1902 · No restrictions
Painted terracotta Madonna and Child relief with halos and worn, cracked surfaces.
A painted terracotta Madonna and Child relief, showing the figures with halos and aged, cracked surfaces.
June 2023 © · CC0
Painted terracotta Madonna and Child relief in a dark frame behind reflective glass.
A painted terracotta Madonna and Child relief, shown with traces of original color inside a dark frame.
January 2009 © · CC BY 2.5

Identification

TitleMadonna and Child
Work typesculpture
SubjectMadonna and Child

Creator

ArtistDonatello
AttributionAttributed to Donatello; alternately attributed to Donatello or his circle
Attribution noteLudwig Goldscheider stated that there are no Madonna reliefs that can be accepted with perfect confidence as having been chiseled by Donatello
Attribution noteThe high artistic quality has led to the view that there may have been direct intervention by the master

Historical context

Datecirca 1440
Dating noteThe date has also been disputed; around 1440 is considered probable
Stylistic periodDonatello's cultured and graceful period
Stylistic comparisonPlaced in the same period as the celebrated David

Materials

Materialpolychrome terracotta
Material noteThe commentary notes that chisels would not have been used to make a terracotta relief

Physical characteristics

Artistic qualityVery high
Dimensions102 × 74 cm
ConditionVery good state of preservation
Typepainted terracotta relief

Appearance

CompositionThe Madonna is seated on a gilded seat and holds the Child on her knees; the figures are shifted toward the left
Child's clothingThe Child wears only a small tunic that leaves him uncovered below the navel
Gaze directionBoth figures look to the left, for reasons that are not yet clear
Interaction between figuresThere is no visual contact between Mother and Child
Emotional toneThe scene conveys a notable sense of intimacy through the sweetness of the embrace
Drapery treatmentThe fabrics are notably rendered, often interwoven with gold and decorated in fine relief
BackgroundGold background with an archaic flavor, justified by a curtain
Flesh tonesThe pale flesh tones stand out delicately against the background

Location and ownership

Current locationLouvre Museum, Paris, France
Holding institutionLouvre Museum
DepartmentDepartment of Sculptures

Discovery and provenance

Museum acquisitionAcquired by the Louvre in 1880