Madonna and Child with Two Angels

Art Historical Context

Created in 1321 by an anonymous sculptor from Verona, this marble sculpture depicts the Madonna tenderly holding the Christ Child, flanked by two angels. Standing just over 35 inches tall, the work reflects the intimate devotional art popular in early 14th-century Italy. Its precisely dated creation places it firmly within the Gothic period, when northern Italian cities like Verona fostered skilled stone carvers who blended religious themes with emerging naturalism. Marble was a prized medium for such pieces, allowing artists to render flowing drapery and gentle expressions that invited quiet contemplation. Likely intended for a church altar or private chapel, the sculpture embodies the era’s deep Catholic devotion while showcasing the technical finesse of medieval Italian workshops. Now part of the National Gallery of Art’s Samuel H. Kress Collection, this work offers visitors a rare glimpse into the artistic traditions of 14th-century Verona and the enduring appeal of the Madonna and Child motif in Western art.