An artwork on Galleree from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
About the artwork
Madonna and Childc. 1310
Artist: Segna di Buonaventura
Italian (Siena), active 1298 - 1326/31
27 1/2 x 19 1/4 in. (69.9 x 48.9 cm)
Tempera and gold ground on poplar panel
Painting
Italy
14th century
The William Hood Dunwoody Fund and Gift of Funds from Alfred and Ingrid Lenz Harrison
In a softly lit room, a painting draws you in, capturing a sacred moment shared between a mother and her child. Mary, the venerable mother of Jesus, gazes back at you with eyes full of warmth and wisdom. It is as if she insists you look her straight in the eye, commanding your attention with a gentle yet profound presence.
For centuries, people have turned to Mary, seeking her intercession in their lives, believing that knowing her would draw them closer to her son. In her embrace, they found comfort and understanding, a deep connection that transcended time. The artist, Segna, knew this well and chose to portray both Mary and Jesus not as distant figures of reverence, but as deeply human and approachable.
In the painting, you can see young Jesus playing gently with his mother’s fingers, a tender act that ebbs away the barriers of divinity and humanity. He is but a child, innocent and playful, yet there’s something remarkable in his posture—a hint of the wisdom he would one day emanate. Even in that soft, vulnerable engagement, a serious countenance veils his baby face, foreshadowing the spiritual authority he would eventually embody.
This painting was once part of a grand five-panel altarpiece, a visual symphony depicting divine stories. However, in the 1800s, it was altered, cut down to fit a smaller frame, yet its essence remains. Within this framed space, the bond between mother and son resonates eternally, whispering tales of devotion, love, and profound human connection.
About the artist
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