Madonna of Humility 1375 - 1400

Carlo da Camerino created this ‘Madonna of Humility’ using tempera and gold on a wood panel. The smooth, solid surface suggests meticulous preparation, likely involving gesso, a white ground that provided an ideal base for painting. Tempera, made from pigment mixed with egg yolk, dries quickly, demanding precision. Look closely, and you’ll notice the delicate brushwork that builds up the forms and drapery. Gilding, the application of gold leaf, adds to the painting’s richness, symbolizing divine light. The choice of these precious materials and the labor-intensive techniques were deliberate, conveying the sacredness of the subject. This wasn't merely a picture; it was an object of devotion, meant to inspire reverence and awe. The artist’s skill, combined with the inherent qualities of the materials, elevates the work beyond mere representation, inviting contemplation on the mysteries of faith and the skill of human hands. It collapses any assumed hierarchy between labor and artistry.