DOMENICO PULIGO (1492–1527)

Oil on panel. Expert Analysis: Dr. Franco Moro, Piacenza. Puligo delicately depicted a three-quarter portrait of the Mother of God with the infant Jesus resting gently in her arms. Her face is full of love and humility. The gazes of the infant Jesus and the Madonna are hazy and face outwardly from the painting towards the viewer. The Virgin Mary’s clothing reflects her typical colour iconography – a belted red robe with a blue cloak and veil falling softly over her shoulders. The drapery of the lower half of her garments is pleated and hides her lower limbs. Jesus is scantily clad in a sheer shirt and he holds a small cross in his right hand. On the right side stands a three-quarter figure of an angel in a green robe with dark, nearly invisible wings. The Florentine painter positioned him discreetly behind the figure of the Virgin Mary, while his gaze remains in the picture and focuses on the primary subjects. His palms are piously and humbly crossed on his chest. The background is neutral, which gives the effect of enhancing the colours of all the figures.The gold frame is richly decorated with floral motifs.