Virgin and Child 1472 - 1478

Antonio Rossellino created this silver ‘Virgin and Child’ in Florence during the Early Renaissance. The work reflects a pivotal shift in the social function of religious art. Consider the devotional nature of the image and its small size. These features suggest it was made for private, domestic use rather than for a church or public space. By the 15th century, a burgeoning merchant class had created a new market for art that could be owned and displayed in the home, reinforcing social status and personal piety. The artistic style also reflects the social values of its time. The grace and classical naturalism of the figures are characteristic of the Renaissance, representing a cultural movement among wealthy elites, eager to embrace the humanist values of ancient Greece and Rome. Historical investigation of Florentine social history, as well as close attention to the role played by the Church, provides deeper insights into the production and reception of this artwork.