Decorative border panel with flaming candelabra ornamented with foliate designs, swags, and a cow's skull, from Life of the Virgin and Christ 1490 - 1500

This decorative border panel with a flaming candelabra was created by Francesco Rosselli, around the late fifteenth century. The panel's visual impact arises from its symmetrical composition and detailed ornamentation. Rosselli employs precise lines to create a sense of depth and texture within a limited color palette. The candelabra, adorned with foliate designs and a cow's skull, presents a compelling study in contrast, where themes of vitality and mortality are interwoven. The piece reflects the Renaissance interest in classical motifs, reinterpreted through a Christian lens for works like "Life of the Virgin and Christ." Rosselli’s structural arrangement invites us to contemplate the relationship between form and function, challenging our perception of decorative art as merely ornamental. The panel represents a complex interplay of cultural symbols and artistic expression.