Object Image

Virgin and Child with Goldfinch

In this small panel the Virgin holds the blessing Child while he is touching with his left hand the wing of a goldfinch. This lattes one, whose plumage is rendered with delicate naturalism, is really the newest and most successful theme of the painting: it refers to the Passion of Christ, of which the bird is symbol. An inevitable destiny, as it is made explicit by the presence of a thin lace held between the fingers of the Virgin to prevent the bird from escaping.

On the Virgin's head there is a sumptuous crown with relieves made of ‘pastiglia’, originally enriched by element imitating embedded gems. Precious is also the gold background decorated with engraved motifs and with red floral desig...

1440-1445
Tempera and gold on wood
56.0 x 47.0cm
Images and text © Museo Correr, 2017

Where you'll find this

Museo Correr
Permanent collection