Panel-relief, 'Virgin and Child', carved pietra serena in low relief, style of Desiderio da Settignano, Italy (Florence), probably ca. 1850-1857

Arched relief in grey carved sandstone relief depicting the Virgin and Child. The Virgin, bareheaded, is seen half-length behind a parapet on which the Child is seated to her right, turning his head and holding her hand. Below, in a frieze below, a tiny winged boy and girl supporting a wreath

Acquired in 1861 with alternative ascriptions to Donatello and Desiderio da Settignano, the relief was for many years the most well-loved Madonna in the Museum and more plaster casts of it were sold than of any other sculpture in the collection. It is one of the most beautiful forgeries of a Renaissance Madonna ever made, and is possibly the work of Fantacchiotti who was the most sophisticated exponent of the revived Renaissance sculptural style.
Purchased from the Gilgi Collection, 80l.

Acquired in 1861 with alternative ascriptions to Donatello and Desiderio da Settignano this sandstone Virgin and Child is possibly the work of Fantacchiotti who was the most sophisticated exponent of the revived Renaissance sculptural style.
The relief was for many years the most well-loved Madonna in the Museum and more plaster casts of it were sold than of any other sculpture in the collection. It is one of the most beautiful forgeries of a Renaissance Madonna ever made.

7582-1861