Detail of the Madonna and Child in the Manner of Donatello in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, March 2011

Title: Madonna and Child

Artist: School of Donatello (Italian, Florence ca. 1386–1466 Florence)

Date: 15th century

Culture: Italian

Medium: Figures: terracotta, polychromed and gilded; later background: wood, painted to represent brocade; frame: carved and painted, mouldings gilt

Dimensions: Overall: 30 × 20 1/2 in. (76.2 × 52.1 cm)

Classification: Sculpture

Credit Line: Bequest of Benjamin Altman, 1913

Accession Number: 14.40.680


Sheltering the Christ-child beneath her cloak, Mary presses her check against his head. Her loving gesture identifies her as the Virgin of Tenderness (Eleusa) a sacred type that derives from Byzantine painted icons.

This terracotta relief was created from wet clay that was fired in a kiln, and subsequently embellished with gilding and bright colors. Sculptures such as these contributed to the richly hued, textured effects typical of ecclesiastical and domestic Renaissance interiors.

Text from: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/192721