The Madonna and Child by Beato Angelico, exhibited in Turin, is a treasure that harmoniously balances opposing elements: sweet and measured, yet also solemn and austere. The Virgin is depicted seated on the ground on a golden bench with a cushion. The predominant colors are blue, red, and gold, with red being especially significant. Mary's dress is red, symbolizing her humanity, covered by the blue mantle, symbolizing the divinity that envelops her. The red walls of the semi-dome in the background resemble a church apse. Above, the blue vault evokes Mary's mantle and the divine sky.
Originally from Florence, the painting passed through various private collections before arriving in the Savoy collections in 1852. Initially underestimated and subject to attribution doubts, the work was reevaluated in 1951 thanks to a restoration that restored its original pictorial quality.
Language: English