Maria met kind, kniestuk c. 1500

This artwork is a kneepiece of Maria and her child, made with plaster by A. Rosselino. Plaster is a humble material, but in the Renaissance, it was crucial in disseminating imagery; a means of democratizing high art. The work's pale colors and soft texture contribute to its gentle mood. It was likely made by creating a mold from a terracotta original, demonstrating a highly skilled tradition that blends craft and fine art. The labor is intensive, but less costly than carving marble. This made works like these accessible to a wider market and allowed artists to produce them in greater quantities, effectively widening their reach. The Latin inscription 'Ave Gratia Plena' reminds us of the social context of religious devotion. By considering its materiality and production, we recognize how this artwork served both spiritual and economic purposes, blurring the lines between art, craft, and commerce.