Botticelli “Trebbio Altarpiece, Madonna and Child on a throne with Saints Dominic, Cosmas, Damian, Francis, Lawrence and John the Baptist” at the Accademia Gallery in Florence

Painting, Tempera on wood transposed on canvas (203,5 x 210 cm) - 1495-1497

Trebbio Altarpiece, Madonna and Child The Trebbio de Botticelli altarpiece, today exhibited at the Accademia Gallery in Florence, was on the altar of the chapel of the Medici villa in Trebbio, in the Mugello near Florence.

It is believed that this painting was painted by Botticelli and his assistants between 1495 and 1497.

The date of the realization of the altarpiece and its presence in the Medici villa of Trebbio testify that it was painted for Lorenzo Pierfrancesco de Medici.

This painting expressing serenity and religious feeling shows the Virgin on a throne with the Child Jesus in a garden lined with poplars.

The Virgin and Jesus are surrounded on the left of the painting by Saint Dominic, Saint Cosmas and Saint Damian, while on the right are depicted Saint Francis, St Lawrence and Saint John the Baptist.*

The presence of Saint Cosmas and Saint Damian in this Botticelli altarpiece is justified because these saints were the saint's protectors of the Medici family.

The Virgin Mary holds the Child Jesus in her arms and looks at him with gentleness and love.

The face of the Virgin has the softness of the virgins of Botticelli, eyes closed, pensive and leaning towards her child.

It is interesting to note that the faces of the six saints are inclined to the left side of the painting while the faces of the Virgin and Child are inclined to the right, which puts them all the more in addition to their central and elevated position relative to the saints.

Madonna and Child

Trebbio Altarpiece, Madonna and Child

Trebbio Altarpiece

Trebbio Altarpiece, Madonna and Child

Trebbio Altarpiece