Madonna and Child with the Infant Saint John the Baptist
Painting on panel • Sandro Botticelli (Alessandro di Mariano di Vanni Filipepi) or Studio of Botticelli
Style & Movement
Early Renaissance (Florentine School)
Medium & Technique
Tempera/Oil on wood panel with gilding; typically executed with egg tempera and fine glazes to achieve the characteristic smooth, luminous finish and detailed drapery
Creation Period
Late 15th Century (approx. 1490–1500)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 120 cm x 90 cm; Portrait format, rectangular
Subject Description
A devotional scene featuring the Virgin Mary in prayer, the Christ Child holding a prayer book on a cushion, and the infant St. John the Baptist holding a cross. Symbolic elements include the roses (purity/mystical rose) in an aedicular vase and the sacred texts.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good/Very Good; structurally stable panel, though showing typical historical age-related wear and craquelure
Estimated Market Value
$10,000,000 – $25,000,000 (depending on degree of autograph vs. workshop participation)
Auction Estimate
$8,000,000 – $15,000,000
Provenance History
Likely commissioned for a private Florentine palazzo; typical for high-end devotional works of the late 15th century and often held in ecclesiastical or noble private collections before entering the modern art market
Art Historical Significance
A significant example of Botticelli's late lyric style, characterized by elongated figures, melancholic expressions, and rhythmic calligraphic lines. It represents the height of Florentine Humanist influence on religious iconography.
Notable Features
Highly detailed gold-tooling on the halos and garments; the distinctive 'Botticelli' facial type for the Madonna is exceptionally executed here, suggesting significant master participation
Condition Issues
Stable craquelure throughout; some evidence of past cleaning and retouching, particularly in the darker glazes and background areas; minor woodworm damage to the reverse of the panel likely present
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain strictly controlled humidity (45-55%) and UV-filtered lighting; periodic monitoring by a professional conservator for any potential pigment lifting or panel movement