Madonna and Child with Saint Francis and Saint Anthony of Padua

Maker Francesco Francia (Italian, approximately 1450 - 1517)

Collections

European Painting Highlights

ClassificationsPAINTINGS

Dateca. 1490-1505

Mediumtempera and oil on canvas

Dimensions34 x 24 in. (86.4 x 61 cm.)

DescriptionIn this devotional painting, the Virgin and the Child are flanked by Saint Francis and Saint Anthony of Padua.

SignedSigned in lower right of recto: F.FRANCIA.

InscribedSigned in lower right of recto: F.FRANCIA.

Credit LineThe Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. The Arabella D. Huntington Memorial Art Collection.

Status

On view

Label TextThe Christ Child grasps his mother's thumb with one hand in a childlike manner while raising his other hand in a very adult gesture of blessing. Flanking the Virgin and Child are St. Anthony of Padua, who carries white lilies symbolizing the purity of the Virgin, and St. Francis of Assisi, who holds his simple cross of reeds. The solemn facial expressions on the faces of the Virgin and the saints may be a reminder to the viewer of Christ's future suffering.

Object number26.98