Madonna and Childc. 1400 · Study 1985.8

Context from the museum

Although Gherardo Starnina is regarded as one of the most important painters of his time in Florence, little is known about him. He probably studied with a well-regarded Florentine painter who made numerous frescoes. He is claimed to have participated in the painting of the frescoes in the Castellani Chapel in Santa Croce, Florence. Documents show that he worked extensively in Spain, specifically Toledo and Valencia, executing many panel paintings and frescoes there. Most of his known paintings are altarpieces, often illustrating scenes from the lives of the saints. Stylistically, Starnina drew from many sources, including the Late Gothic style he witnessed while in Spain, and he developed a uniquely independent, progressive manner. The lyrical grace of this Madonna and her Valencian-style crown owe much to his experience in Spain.

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 41.4 cm wide and 60.4 cm high, equivalent to approximately 16.3 × 23.8 inches. Dividing width by height gives a format ratio of 0.69:1. The rectangular bounding area is 0.25 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 13.8% of the span before adding a frame. A centered placement leaves approximately 129.3 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, oil and gilding on wood panel, in your notes when comparing contemporary works.

• Which part of this vertical composition catches your eye first?
• Would a 41.4 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?