Madonna and Child with Angels

myminifactory

This depiction of a Madonna and Child has all the characteristics of an enormous altarpiece or decoration placed behind the altar in a church due to its impressive architectural elements that give it a monumental stature. The facade looks like Greek and Roman temples with intricate engravings on the entablature and cornice. A medallion in the tympanum shows Jesus with his right hand raised in a gesture of blessing. The central panel is dominated by the recurring subject of the Madonna and child, flanked by angels. The stiacciato technique used by Di Duccio is typical of Renaissance art and enables sculptors to create more depth and perspective in bas-reliefs. For example, here, the spectator can clearly distinguish the foreground with the Virgin and her baby from the background where an angel's head becomes visible. The relief's importance varies depending on how close the subject is supposed to be to the viewer. The central panel is framed by two angels who are themselves separate from the architectural structure.