A tribute to the Madonna 1851

Domenico Induno created this small oil-on-canvas painting, A tribute to the Madonna, using traditional fine art materials. But the picture's power comes less from its materiality than its sensitive depiction of social issues. Painted with loose brushwork, we see an elderly man holding a cane for support. The painting is characterized by subdued colors. There's a sharp contrast between the rough texture of the stone wall and the smooth surface of the man's coat. The light is carefully handled, drawing attention to the man's worn face, which is full of dignity. It appears that the man is poor and of low social status. We can assume that he is a beggar because he holds out his hat. The artist seems to be making a statement about the social inequalities of the time and the difficult lives of the working class. By showing the man's resilience, Induno elevates him, challenging the divide between fine art and social commentary.