Madonna and Childc. 1350 · Study 1952.110

Context from the museum

On the eve of the Battle of Montaperti in 1260, the Tuscan town of Siena was dedicated to the Virgin. Siena’s miraculous victory the following day confirmed its status as the "City of the Virgin" and inspired fervent devotion among its citizens. Marian imagery flourished, and many altarpieces comprising images of the Madonna and Child flanked by saints were made for Sienese churches. This panel once formed part of such an altarpiece. Here, the infant Christ clings to his mother’s clothing. He also holds a scroll that proclaims his special destiny. Lippo Memmi was the brother-in-law of Simone Martini, an extremely influential Sienese painter. The two artists worked closely together, and this Madonna and Child reflects Simone’s aristocratic and elegant style.

Museum description reproduced from its CC0 open-access record. Read the original catalog entry.

Read the dimensions before the image

The selected unframed measurement for Madonna and Child is 44 cm wide and 71.3 cm high, equivalent to approximately 17.3 × 28.1 inches. Dividing width by height gives a format ratio of 0.62:1. The rectangular bounding area is 0.31 square meters; it describes the measured footprint, not the amount of paint or the monetary value.

On an illustrative 300 cm wall, the recorded width occupies 14.7% of the span before adding a frame. A centered placement leaves approximately 128.0 cm on each side before adding a frame. These are calculations by Physical Art For Crypto using museum measurements. They are not the museum’s display recommendations.

Questions to bring to your own collection

With Madonna and Child in view, identify one feature you can point to, then distinguish what the museum records from your personal response. Keep its medium, tempera and gold on poplar panel, in your notes when comparing contemporary works.

• Which part of this vertical composition catches your eye first?
• Would a 44 cm width still suit the space after allowing for furniture and a frame?
• What surface detail would you need to see in person or in a close photograph?