The Virgin and Child Enthroned with Two Angels 1285

"The Virgin and Child Enthroned with Two Angels" is a tempera on wood panel painting by Cimabue, dating back to 1285. This iconic piece showcases the artist's mastery of the Italo-Byzantine style. The Virgin Mary, depicted with a somber expression, holds the Christ child on her lap, while two angels flank them, their wings extending towards the viewer. The figures are rendered with a sense of solemnity and majesty, their gold-leaf backgrounds reflecting the sacredness of the subject matter. This artwork is a significant example of the transition from the Byzantine style to the early Renaissance in Italy, exemplifying the use of three-dimensionality and more naturalistic forms, further reflected in the detailed rendering of the Virgin Mary's drapery. It is now part of the National Gallery's collection in London.