Madonna and Child 1490 - 1500

Neroccio de' Landi created this painted stucco relief of the Madonna and Child in fifteenth century Siena, Italy. Landi, who was a painter and sculptor, reflects the artistic and social values of his time in this piece. During the Renaissance, the Madonna and Child was a common subject, symbolizing maternal love, purity, and religious devotion. Yet, consider how the cultural expectations of women are embodied in this artwork. Mary, with her serene expression, represents the idealized mother, nurturing and selfless. Her role is divinely appointed, yet confined. The work also operates as a tender expression and intimate moment between mother and child. The softness of the stucco and delicate coloration enhance the humanity of the figures, inviting viewers to connect with their emotions. Landi masterfully uses traditional representation to evoke profound emotional and spiritual connections, reflecting the complex interplay of gender, religion, and human experience in Renaissance society.