An artwork on Galleree from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
About the artwork
Standing Madonna with Childc. 1350-1354
Artist: Nardo di Cione
Italian (Florence), c. 1320 - 1365/66
Madonna and Child.
32 1/2 x 13 1/8 in. (82.55 x 33.34 cm) (sight)
38 1/2 x 17 1/8 x 7/8 in. (97.79 x 43.5 x 2.22 cm) (panel)
Tempera on poplar panel
Painting
Italy
14th century
Bequest of Miss Tessie Jones in memory of Herschel V. Jones
In the year 1348, a dark shadow loomed over Florence. The streets, once bustling with laughter and life, now echoed with the silence of loss. A chilling sight spread across the city—the bubonic plague had claimed more than half of its vibrant population. It was a time when despair wrapped around the city like a thick fog, leaving survivors yearning for solace.
In the heart of this turmoil, a flicker of hope began to emerge. A profound need arose for new types of religious images, ones that could bridge the heartache and despair of the living with the divine. Amidst the grief, artists transformed their sorrow into sacred creations. One such masterpiece was the Standing Madonna—a figure radiating compassion and understanding, crafted with the intent to bring spiritual relief to the weary souls still navigating their shattered world.
This Standing Madonna, noble and serene, stood as a guardian of hope. Her gentle countenance invited the grieving with open arms, offering a moment of peace amidst chaos. The soft colors of her attire echoed the muted tones of the city, as if to say, "Though darkness surrounds, let your heart be lifted."
As people gathered around her, they found comfort in her presence. They poured their grief, their fears, and their aspirations into her stillness, seeking the spiritual embrace that could help guide them through the storm. In that sacred space, the Standing Madonna transformed from mere wood and paint into a beacon of light and healing. Her story became intertwined with the journey of those who sought refuge in her gaze—a reminder that even in the bleakest of times, the threads of faith and resilience could weave a tapestry of solace and strength.
About the artist
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