Virgin and Child

Wealthy homes in 15th-century Florence were decorated with images of the Virgin Mary and Christ Child, thought to offer protection to the family. In private rooms, they encouraged prayer, especially by new and expectant mothers.

The artist has relatively recently been identified as Gregorio di Lorenzo. After training with Desiderio da Settignano, one of Florence’s leading sculptors, he specialised in marble reliefs of the Virgin and Child. Gregorio’s quirky interpretation of details, such as the angels’ expressions, distinguishes his work from that of his contemporaries.