The Madonna of Humility

This lively masterpiece by Vitale da Bologna was painted in abou 1353, in the tradition of the 14th century Italian Gothic art. The Virgin is sitting next to her Child, behind them there are saint Catherine from Alexandria and a crowned saint martyr. The representation of the Virgin sitting on the ground is based on the iconography of the Madonna of Humility, while the precius textiles suggest her majesty. It is a rare depiction of the "Madonna of the embroidery". Following a tradition, the Virgin used to earn her living spinning and embroidering while Christ was helping her since he was five. As suggested by the critics, this finely decorated panel reminds of a Persina miniature. Vitale shows the everyday life of the characters and the affection between the mother and her child.