(documented in Genoa and Liguria circa 1459–1471)
Madonna and Child with a goldfinch,
oil and gold on panel, 82 x 49.5 cm, unframed

Provenance:
John H. G. Pell, New York, circa 1940;
Private collection, Switzerland

Literature:
G. Zanelli, Per il pittore Cosimo Re, in: Paragone, no. 123–124, 2015, p. 48 (‘attribuzione che non appare del tutto convincente’)

The present painting is registered in the Fototeca Zeri under no. 23616 (as Cosimo Re).

We are grateful to Alessandro Tomei for confirming the attribution and his help in cataloguing this lot.

The present painting is a significant example of late Gothic art produced in 15th-century Liguria by Cosimo Re, who was aware of the stylistic innovations from the nearby region of Lombardy. Especially reminiscent of this style are Christ’s halo with rays, the decorative gold borders of the Madonna’s robe, the embroidery on her dress, the collar with a pendant jewel and the overall fluidity and elegance of the draperies. Few other works by the Master have been identified, and the present Madonna and Child is a significant rare work.

The present painting can be compared to a panel in the Parrish Art Museum, Southampton, New York, representing Saint Thomas Aquinas with a nun patroness which is signed and dated 1471, and bears the name of the patron: ‘IHS. PREGATE PER SIMONE LECHAVECA MCCCCLXXI / COSME RE PINXIT’.