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Madonna of Humility

Lorenzo Monaco

European Art

According to medieval theology, humility was the source of all virtues, an appropriate metaphor for Mary as the Mother of God. In Lorenzo Monaco’s devotional painting Mary is depicted as the Madonna of Humility, seated not on a throne but on a cushion resting on a marble pavement. Pictures like this were in high demand in Florence, and Monaco made several similar versions of this composition, likely for private patrons.
MEDIUM Tempera and tooled gold on panel with engaged frame
  • Place Made: Italy
  • DATES ca. 1415-1420
    DIMENSIONS 33 1/4 x 18 7/8 in. (84.5 x 47.9 cm) Frame: 45 3/4 x 26 3/4 x 5 3/4 in. (116.2 x 67.9 x 14.6 cm)  (show scale)
    INSCRIPTIONS On base of frame: "AVE MARIA GRATIA PLENA D." [Hail Mary Full of Grace]
    COLLECTIONS European Art
    ACCESSION NUMBER 34.842
    CREDIT LINE Gift of Mary Babbott Ladd, Lydia Babbott Stokes, and Frank L. Babbott, Jr. in memory of their father Frank L. Babbott
    MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view
    CAPTION Lorenzo Monaco (Italian, School of Florence, ca. 1370/71-1424). Madonna of Humility, ca. 1415-1420. Tempera and tooled gold on panel with engaged frame, 33 1/4 x 18 7/8 in. (84.5 x 47.9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Mary Babbott Ladd, Lydia Babbott Stokes, and Frank L. Babbott, Jr. in memory of their father Frank L. Babbott, 34.842 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 34.842_SL3.jpg)
    IMAGE framed, 34.842_SL3.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
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