The Madonna of Humility with Musician Angels

The Virgin is seated on a red cushion embroidered with gold. She wears a red garment and a blue mantle with green lining; on her head, there is a violet veil with a star (Stella Maris, an ancient title for Mary seen as guiding star). In her hand, she holds a white lily, symbol of purity, while the other hand rests on the shoulder of the Child seated on her lap. Two musician angels, absorbed and melancholy, are depicted at the bottom. In the background, there is a golden hanging, in which the gold leaf is engraved to imitate the softness and the texture of a textile

Zanobi Strozzi, a faithful follower of Fra Angelico, was a painter as well as a miniaturist. In this work, datable to between 1448 and 1450, the artist lavished great care on rendering the precious materials, such as the splendid fabrics and the streaked marble of the base.

Charming, isn't it? We present this panel thanks to the Museo Poldi Pezzoli in Milan.

P.S. Have you ever wondered why babies in medieval paintings look like ugly old men? :D Here's an answer!