(Perugia 1454–1513 Siena)
Madonna and Child,
oil and gold on panel, tondo, diam. 60 cm, framed

Provenance:
Private European collection

Bernardino di Betto di Biagio, called Pinturicchio, was one of the leading painters in Umbria during the second half of the 15th century. He collaborated with Perugino on the frescoes in the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican in 1481–82.

Pinturicchio’s lyrical style was admired by the Roman elite, and he received a number of important commissions including the decoration of Pope Alexander VI’s private apartments, the ‘Appartamenti Borgia’ in 1492. The pope remained one of his patrons and enabled Pinturicchio to set up his own workshop. Despite his lengthy stay in Rome, Pinturicchio maintained links with his native Perugia, returning there throughout his life, and he also travelled to Siena, where he remained for the last ten years of his life, working for the Piccolomini family.

The present tondo reflects the Renaissance ideal of beauty: the head of the Madonna is slightly inclined, her eyes are almond shaped with thin rounded eyebrows, her hair is covered by a translucent veil, her elongated fingers gently touch the Christ Child. The Child wears a coral necklace and bracelet, which were extremely popular during the Renaissance and were thought to protect against evil and disease. The gold background, with its elaborate punchwork and checkered pattern is somewhat archaic and suggests a specific commission.