Our Lady of Good Children 1847 - 1861

Editor: This is Ford Madox Brown's "Our Lady of Good Children," housed at the Tate. The detail is captivating, almost dreamlike. What strikes you most about the formal qualities of this piece? Curator: The painting presents a complex interplay of linear perspective and flattened space. Note how the artist utilizes a limited palette, emphasizing the reds and greens, creating a harmonious yet somewhat unsettling visual experience. The composition is structured around a central pyramidal form, drawing the eye to the Madonna and Child. Editor: Unsettling? Curator: Yes, notice how the artist plays with the juxtaposition of the figures against the intricate background details. The texture of the drapery and the ornamentation surrounding the figures add to the spatial ambiguity and enhance the painting’s overall impact. Did you notice it as well? Editor: I see it now! Thanks for pointing it out. Curator: My pleasure.