An artwork on Galleree from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
About the artwork
The Madonna and Child with the Infant Saint Johnc. 1750
Artist: Francesco de Mura
Italian (Naples), 1696–1782
Madonna and Child
10 1/4 x 8 in. (26.04 x 20.32 cm) (canvas)
Oil on copper with silver, silver gilt and gilt bronze frame
Painting
Italy
18th century
The John R. Van Derlip Fund
In a serene corner of Naples, where sunlight softly dances upon cobblestone streets, there existed a virtuoso whose brush captured the essence of divinity—Francesco de Mura. His talent was revered, but perhaps equally stunning was the craftsmanship of an unknown goldsmith who wrought a frame that seemed to cradle the painting with reverence. This frame, an elaborate display of silver and gold, sings of a delicate history; it is one of the rare relics from a time when such marvels were crafted not just for walls but for the soul.
Imagine a small, intimate setting—a private place for reflection and devotion. Here, the painting would have found its home, surrounded by the whispers of prayer and the flicker of candlelight. The infant Jesus, his face a perfect blend of innocence and wisdom, gazes outward. His tiny hand is raised, a gesture of gentle blessing, inviting each onlooker to share in the warmth of his presence. Beside him stands Mary, a picture of grace, and young Saint John the Baptist, both enveloped in a sense of awe.
This sacred triad, captured by de Mura's hand and cherished within its ornate embrace, invites us into a moment suspended in time, a point of connection where artistry and faith converge. The survival of both painting and frame reminds us of the care and reverence bestowed upon such treasures, echoing the deep human desire for beauty, understanding, and a blessing that transcends the ordinary.
About the artist
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