Description
In this devotional panel, the Virgin Mary is depicted reading. Her status as the Queen of Heaven is emphasized by the golden crown-studded with jewels and pearls and adorned with red and white roses-held by the angels. Attached to the Virgin's mantle is a small pendant cross from which pearls are suspended. Antonello's preference for geometric shapes is characteristic of the early Italian Renaissance. From his study of contemporary Flemish painting, the artist had learned about the use of oil glazes. The technique permitted him to create unprecedentedly rich details with textures that reflected light in different ways, particularly visible here in the crown.



The Virgin Mary Reading
Conservation
Date | Description | Narrative |
---|---|---|
Examination | examined for condition | |
11/02/1939 | Treatment | cleaned; coated; examined for exhibition; filled; inpainted; lined; reconstructed; stabilized |
4/09/1984 | Treatment | other |
11/28/1989 | Treatment | coated; examined for condition; filled; inpainted; surface cleaned; varnish removed or reduced |
1/10/1990 | Examination | chemical analysis; examined for technical study |
3/02/2006 | Examination | examined for exhibition |
Exhibitions
- Illuminated Manuscripts: Masterpieces in Miniature. The Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore. 1984-1985.
- Antonella da Messina: l'opera completa. Scuderie del Quirinale, Roma. 2006.
Provenance
Augusto Mazzetti [date and mode of acquisition unknown]; Henry Walters, Baltimore, 1911, by purchase [Bernard Berenson as agent]; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.
Credit
Acquired by Henry Walters, 1911
Creator
Period
ca. 1460-1462 (Renaissance)Accession Number
37.433Measurements
Painted surface H: 17 3/8 x W: 12 5/8 x D: 5/16 in. (44.1 x 32 x 0.8 cm); Framed H: 25 1/2 x W: 20 1/2 x D: 2 1/4 in. (64.8 x 52.1 x 5.7 cm)Geographies
- Italy, Sicily (Place of Origin)