Matteo di Giovanni (about 1430 – 1495)

The Madonna and Child, with Saint John the Baptist and Saint Michael the Archangel

Siena, about 1485-95

Tempera on wood

57.9 x 40.4 cm

John the Baptist, to the left, points to the infant Christ. 

His banner proclaims ECCE DEI – ‘Here is [the lamb] of God’.  John wears the camel-hair robe which signifies his role as the preacher in the desert who proclaimed the coming of Christ.

Artists in the city of Siena where Matteo worked employed a rich and decorative style.  Here, a fine tool was used to create decorative patterns in the gold ground and the elaborate textiles enhance a richly jewelled effect.

Purchased 1944 (No.44.2)