Madonna Adoring the Child

1500 · The Clark Art Institute, Williamstown

religious

The infant Jesus sits on a corner of the Virgin Mary's cloak, looking out at us solemnly and resting one hand on a book. His mother joins her hands in devotion, the thoughtful expression on her face suggesting knowledge of her son's fate. The sacred status of the figures is indicated by the cloth of honour separating them from the background.

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About the Artist

Bartolomeo Montagna

1450 – 1523

Bartolomeo Montagna (actually Bartolomeo Cincani), Italian painter from the Brescia region. His initial training was presumably under Domenico Morone in Verona. He had a distinct Venetian influence, probably in Giovanni Bellini 's studio. He may also have adopted the Mantegnesque severity. His occasional obsession with detail is reminiscent of Carpaccio. He was active in Venice (Scuola di San Marco) and in Verona, mainly however in Vicenza. Powerful use of colour (zinc plating), symmetrical picture composition, and marked light-dark contrasts are his distinguishing characteristics. The Friulian School ( Pellegrino and Pordenone) is indebted to him. Benedetto Montagna, a productive engraver, was his son and pupil.

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