The Madonna of Humility with Musician Angels

The Madonna of Humility is seated on a red cushion embroidered with gold. She wears a red garment and a dark blue mantle with green lining. On her head there is a violet veil with a star (Stella Maris, the Latin translation of Mary’s Jewish name, Miriam). In her hand she holds a white lily, the symbol of purity, while her other hand rests on the shoulder of the Child seated on her lap. Two musician angels, absorbed and melancholy, are depicted at the bottom. As backdrop on the end wall there is a golden hanging, in which the gold leaf is incised to imitate the softness and weave of cloth.
Zanobi Strozzi, a faithful follower of Fra Angelico, was a painter as well as a miniaturist. In this work, which can be dated to 1448-1450, the artist lavishes great care on rendering the precious materials, such as the splendid fabrics and the streaked marble base.