Relief in gilded and pigmented wood, 'Virgin & Child', Early 16th century, Italian

The central relief, which is carved separately from the remainder of the work is recessed in a shallow fluted medallion surrounded by a strip of beaded ornament and a flat band with an external moulding. The circular medallion rests on a wooden base. The Virgin is represented in half-length, holding the Child across her body on the left arm. The gilding of the medallion, of the Virgin's robes and of the ornament above the base is original, as is the paint surface in the flesh parts. The blue paint on the frame and the base is more modern, as is the inscription. The Child's right arm has been broken off above the elbow, and seems originally to have been shown in benediction.

This relief has affinities with the work of Benedetto Briosco at Pavia.

The relief has affinities with the work of Benedetto Briosco at Pavia. The painting and gilding on the relief are original. That on the frame and the base, including inscription, is modern. The Child's right arm would originally been shown in benediction.

the striated drapery over the arm suggests that the relief may have been carved as late as the first quarter of the sixteenth century.

7534-1860