Madonna Enthroned with the Child and Two Angels 1280

Cimabue's "Madonna Enthroned with the Child and Two Angels" (c. 1280) is a tempera painting on wood that showcases the artist's mastery of Italian Gothic art. Depicting the Virgin Mary seated on a throne with the Christ child in her arms, the artwork demonstrates Cimabue's transition away from Byzantine iconography and his embrace of more naturalism. The figures exhibit a sense of volume and depth, with the Madonna's flowing robes rendered with intricate detail. The two angels flanking the throne add to the sense of grandeur, further highlighting the divine presence in the scene. This work, housed in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, is a seminal piece in the development of Italian art, marking a crucial stepping stone towards the Renaissance.