Madonna in a Closed Garden 1450 - 1470

"Madonna in a Closed Garden" is a small, beautifully detailed, anonymous work on paper from the 15th century. The artwork depicts the Virgin Mary, seated in a garden with a trellis overhead, while the Christ Child stands before her. Two angels are depicted, one offering a lily to the Madonna and the other holding a book and harp. The enclosed garden symbolizes the Virgin Mary's purity and virginity, a common theme in religious art of the period. The artwork's bright colors and meticulous detail reflect the artistic trends of the Early Netherlandish period. This piece is a rare example of devotional art created by an anonymous artist in the 15th century and offers a glimpse into the religious beliefs and artistic practices of the time.