Masaccio (1401–1428/9?)

The Virgin and Child, 1426

The Virgin and Child are seated on a
stone throne with classical columns.
Two angels kneel at either side. Two
other angels play lutes. The Child is
eating grapes, a reference to the
blood Christ shed on the cross. The
cast shadows and linear perspective
reveal a new interest in naturalism.
The influence of sculpture on the
solidity of the forms is strong.

Egg tempera on wood

NG3046. Bought with a contribution
from The Art Fund, 1916

677 ·))

Bronzino (1503-1572)

An Allegory with Venus and Cupid,
about 1545

This painting was intended as a difficult riddle. Cupid kisses his mother Venus. The boy with rose petals probably represents Jest. Other figures may stand for Fraud and Jealousy, and perhaps Pleasure. The bearded man, frustrated in expression and action, is Time. The picture was almost certainly commissioned by Cosimo' de' Medici, ruler of Tuscany, for King François I of France.

Oil on wood

NG651. Bought, 1860

203