Madonna and Child Enthroned with Two Angels 1440

Filippo Lippi painted this ‘Madonna and Child Enthroned with Two Angels’ using tempera on wood, a common practice in the Early Renaissance. The wooden panel provided a stable base for the painstaking layering of pigment. Lippi would have ground his own pigments, mixing them with egg yolk to bind them, a labour-intensive craft that demanded precision. Tempera dries quickly, compelling the artist to work fast in short strokes. Look closely, and you'll notice how Lippi gradually built up depth and form. This is particularly visible in the Madonna's drapery, where the blue robe gains volume through careful application of light and shade. Notice also the halos around the figures' heads, rendered with gold leaf, adding to the painting's sense of divinity and worth. The deliberate gestures and controlled application of materials contribute to a scene of serene beauty. Paying attention to the processes and materials helps us appreciate the artistry that bridges craft and fine art.